About Me

Alejandra Peña 

​My name is Alejandra “Alex” Peña. I have been a Visual Arts Educator for over 9 years. I graduated from Houston Baptist University with a BA in Pedagogy and All Level Art Education. I have an Associates Degree in Small Business Management from San Diego City College, San Diego CA. I served 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. 
​I am married to my high school best friend for almost 24 years and have two wonderful sons.  They both have followed in their fathers footsteps and joined the US Navy. 
My personal artwork includes printmaking, painting, mix-media and photography. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends.
Education
  • Crosby High School Graduate (1995)
  • Houston Baptist University, Houston, Texas (2009)                                       - All Level Art Education and Pedagogy, BA
  • San Diego City College, San Diego, California  (2005)
            -Starting and Managing a Small Business, AS
  • AP Art Studio Certified 
Job Positions
  • United States Marine Corps  (Nov. 1995-Feb. 2000)
  • Crosby Community Center Summer Art Teacher (2009-present)
  • Art Teacher, Hastings High School, Alief ISD (2009-2010)
  • Art Teacher, Crosby Middle School, Crosby ISD (2010-2014)
  • Art Teacher, Crosby High School, Crosby ISD (2014-2016)
  • Art Studio Owner, Alex's Art Studio, Crosby, TX (2016-17)
  • Art Teacher, Rockport-Fulton ISD, Rockport, TX(2017-2018)
  • Art Teacher, Gregory Portland ISD, Portland, TX (2018-present)
Organizations & Memberships
  • Texas Art Education Association (2009-present)
  • Regional 2 Representative &VASE Director (April 2018-present)​
  • National Art Education Association (2009-present)
    • National Art Honor Society Sponsor
      • (2018-2019)Gregory-Portland High School
      • (2017-2018) Rockport-Fulton High School
      • (2014-2016) Crosby High School
      • (2009-2014) Crosby Middle School
  • Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Committee Member (2017-present)
  • Crosby Lions International Club
    • Crosby Middle & High School Leo Sponsor (2013- 2016)
    • Member (2016-present)
  • Domestic & International Art Teacher Group Leader with EF Education First Travel (2012-present) 
    • Italy (Summer 2019)
    • Germany Austria Switzerland (Summer 2016)
    • Greece (Summer 2015)
    • England, France, Spain (Summer 2014)
    • Italy (Summer 2013)
    • New York (Spring 2012)
  • District 36 Congressional Art Competition, Chairman (2016-2017)
  • Rockport Historic Center Member (February 2018 -2019)
  • Boy Scout Leader/Committee Chair (2008-2016)​​

My Philosophy




​
“The teacher’s task is not to implant facts but to place the subject to be learned in front of the learner and, through sympathy, emotion, imagination, and patience, to awaken in the learner
 the restless drive for answers and insights which enlarge the personal life and give it meaning.”
-N. M. Pusey, Former President, Harvard University
My philosophy of education is that of both an essentialism and progressivism education. As an essentialist I believe that students should be taught Reading, Writing, History, Math, Science, Art, Music, Foreign languages and Literature. In my opinion these core subjects are essential to be able to survive in our world. Like progressivism education, I believe that children should learn how to think for themselves, respect and work with others.

My goal as a teacher is to give my students the tools with which to develop their own foundation of knowledge. I believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and motivating atmosphere in which to grow and mature academically, emotionally, physically, and socially. By providing an environment of respect and safety, the students will be able to meet their fullest potential in these areas.

I believe creative learning encourages the student to relate visual knowledge to other core subjects and to respond with appreciation and imagination.  The use and application of skills encourages self-expression, creative growth, discovery, and the understanding of ideas. I utilize tools such as group work, hands-on learning, themes and projects in my curriculum in order to make children active learners. I incorporate materials that will engage the interests of the children and make learning important to life. For example, through structured course work which includes knowledge of artists and art principles the students are exposed to cultures around the world, enabling each student to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others.

I assist my students in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I believe that students can use the knowledge and expressiveness derived from experiences in art education throughout all areas of their lives. I set consistent rules and state the importance of every activity,  so my students will feel respected for their presence and time in my classroom.