CV

Rachel Silverman

Visual Art Educator & Practicing Artist
Massachusetts

Profile

Visual art educator with 16 years of teaching experience, including 11 years at the secondary level. Specializes in studio-based instruction grounded in material exploration, technical rigor, and conceptual inquiry. Practicing artist working across ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, drawing, painting, mixed media, scenic art, and public projects. Committed to inclusive studio communities, interdisciplinary learning, and mentorship through critique, portfolio development, and exhibition.

Teaching & Leadership

Mohawk Trail Regional School, Shelburne Falls, MA
Art Teacher (2010–present); Instructional Leadership Team Member (2022–present)

Designed and led a comprehensive visual arts program serving introductory through advanced students. Developed process-driven curricula emphasizing craftsmanship, creative inquiry, and reflection. Contributed to schoolwide leadership initiatives supporting student voice, community engagement, and purposeful practice.

Hilltown Youth Theatre, Charlemont, MA

Program Co-Director & Scenic Artist (2013–2017)

Led scenic design and fabrication for full-scale youth theatre productions; co-directed program operations and curriculum. Mentored students in collaborative, production-based studio practice.

Selected Courses

Foundations of Art & Design I–II • Intermediate Art & Design • Special Topics in Studio Art • Portfolio Development, Capstone & Independent Study

Mentorship

Supervising teacher for pre-service art educators; mentor to early-career teachers. Advisor for senior capstone projects, student exhibitions, and community service projects

Artistic Practice

Visual Artist, Scenic Painter & Muralist

Maintains an active studio and public art practice, including scenic painting for Double Edge Theatre’s Chagall Cycle productions and community-based mural and mosaic projects in western Massachusetts.

Education

M.A., Art Education — University of Florida
B.A., Liberal Arts — Mount Holyoke College
(Studio painting thesis; minor in Educational Psychology)

Licensure & Training

Massachusetts Professional Teaching License, Visual Art (Grades 5–12)
Visual Thinking Strategies • Arts21 Education • Restorative Justice (Tier 1) • Standards-Based Teaching & Learning