Erin Hayden

Visual Arts Teacher @Beacon Academy Chicago

Evanston, IL, US

At Beacon Academy, I will guide high school students through an inquiry-driven visual arts curriculum rooted in both International Baccalaureate (IB) and Montessori philosophies. My teaching practice emphasizes experimentation, interdisciplinary thinking, and the development of each student’s unique creative voice. I design and facilitate projects across a range of media—including drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media—while fostering critical thinking, visual literacy, and cultural awareness. My classroom is a studio-lab for curiosity, process, and play, where students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions and engage deeply with materials, concepts, and each other.Key focuses:• Developing project-based curricula aligned with IB visual arts standards• Supporting independent student inquiry through one-on-one mentorship• Integrating contemporary art practices and global perspectives• Cultivating studio habits of mind and reflective practices• Encouraging collaborative, student-led critiques and exhibitions

Northwestern University

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Illinois State University

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)