New art teacher sparks creativity through lively teaching style

After teaching at Pacific Collegiate School in Santa Cruz for one year, Nikki Rodriguez is now one of the school’s two art teachers. 

MAP and Art teacher Joel Tarbox, a former staff member at Pacific Collegiate, convinced her to make the move after informing her of the “welcoming community and delightful students at SHS,” Rodriquez said.

Former art teacher Diana Vanry retired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, leaving gaps in the art department staff. These spots were filled by Tarbox last year, and now by Rodriguez. She is teaching Ceramics and AP 3D Design on Red Days this year.

Like other staff members who reside in Santa Cruz, Rodriguez makes the long, sometimes harrowing commute through the Santa Cruz Mountains on her way to campus. She said much of her creativity comes from living in an inspiring place and sees the potential of art to improve everyone’s life. 

“I appreciate the opportunity art gives anyone to just stop and to focus on something where you’re using your hands and different parts of your brain to create,” Rodriguez said.

Having only two years of teaching experience, Rodriguez feels she can better empathize with SHS students with her relative youth. Before teaching at Pacific Collegiate School, she did her student teaching at Cureton Elementary School for a year, and quickly realized high school was a better fit for her as she enjoys seeing the artistic development and creativity that only comes with the maturity of high school students.

Rodriguez believes that art is an essential part of schooling as it provides students a break from academic stress where they can express themselves in an unbounded way.

“The mood in class is very lively and fun, yet it never gets too loud,” said freshman Melinda Su, a current Ceramics 1 student. “She makes sure the class is having fun without being overly disruptive.”

Rodriguez bases her teaching style on a method known as the Universal Design for Learning. This flexible style accommodates the needs of all learners by presenting information in multiple ways, giving students different options in expressing their knowledge and skill, as well as varying the types of activities to ensure students are engaged. 

Rodriguez is teaching three classes this year, and she also spends time creating and selling her own art. During her time at SHS, she aspires to make a lasting impact on her students’ lives. 

“I want to inspire students to embrace their creative side and continue to incorporate art in their lives even after they leave my classes,” Rodriguez said.