toni.byam@gcisd.net            817-305-4700 ext 2087
Educational Background    
August, 1991-Master of Arts, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX.  Thesis: Integrating the Visual Arts and Reading: A Teaching Guide.
June, 1988-Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Texas, Arlington, TX    
Educational Philosophy
The success and failure of my students have molded my experience as an educator.  I have found through nineteen years of discovery that the true responsibility of a teacher is to motivate students to participate in life.  By exposing students to a variety of opportunities, teachers can build student confidence through encounters that are not measured by right or wrong. Educators provide endless opportunities for these life-building adventures.  It is the responsibility of teachers to connect on this immeasurable plane.
 All children need to feel successful, and the visual arts, more than any other facet provides the optimum opportunity.  The visual arts provide an opening in which all subject matter may enter.  Fortunately for me as an art educator, I feel empowered by the opportunity to provide students with such a catalyst for learning.   Art education is not exclusively about the production of art projects in an art room.  It is about the exploration of ideas, thoughts and surroundings.  The inclusion of art is part of our heritage and it serves as a positive vehicle to enhance life for all ages.  The future of society lies beyond my classroom door where, through the use of art criticism, history, perception and production, I can open doors that might provide success where successes are needed most.
Personal Notes
I was called to teach and was blessed with the opportunity to help open Colleyville Heritage.  I enjoy all aspects of the arts and sports! Fortunately we are surrounded in the metroplex with some of the nation’s best museums and sporting events.  My curriculum for all classes integrates art history and my hope is to expose my students to a positive, cultural significant outlet. We have many field trips and invite you to join any time.
 
2008-09 Class Schedule
1st-2nd-3rd  AP Art History
4th                 Conference
5th-6th-8th   AP Art History
7th Period    Applied Fine Arts
 
Extended Studio and Slide Review Hours
Afterschool
Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday