November 07, 2016

Alumna Jennifer Cerasin named 2016 Oregon Middle Level Art Educator of the Year

“I really like this community and I appreciate how much the district supports our programs. In the past when we’ve had budget issues they do not just cut the arts like other districts have done, and I’m loyal to them for that.” Cerasin said.

Alumna Jennifer Cerasin, MAT, was just named the 2016 Oregon Middle Level Art Educator of the Year for her exceptional work at Inza R. Wood Middle School.

Cerasin is a Portland Area native; she grew up in Lake Oswego before attending Marylhurst University, and eventually Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Before finishing her education Cerasin had sworn off teaching middle schools and got her first job teaching art at West Linn High School. However, budget cuts left her looking for a new job the summer after her first year and she decided to apply to work at Inza R. Wood Middle School, and she has been working there for 13 years now.

Inza R. Wood has become her home now. “I really like this community and I appreciate how much the district supports our programs. In the past when we’ve had budget issues they do not just cut the arts like other districts have done, and I’m loyal to them for that.” Cerasin said.

Cerasin also still has the opportunity to practice her own art in her free time and brings what she can of her own artistic beliefs into the classroom. She teaches that anyone can succeed in art with effort and self-expression is paramount.

“I guess my ultimate goal is that they will appreciate art and understand it a little bit better before they leave my class,” she said. “You don’t have to be destined or born with some incredible talent to be an artist.”

To learn more about Cerasin’s contributions at Inza R. Wood Middle School and her recent award, see the full article here.