My name is Molly Cranch and I am an arts educator, fine artist and children's book author-illustrator.  I have taught art in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, international schools, and museums and art centers. My educational background includes a BFA in painting from Washington University and a certificate in art education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as certifications in children's yoga. I have taught at the elementary and middle school level and I have a lot of experience working with dual language, ESL, diverse learners, and early childhood students. I have a lot of experience working specifically with children with dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism.

My teaching philosophy is inclusive and creative. I believe that the arts are essential to a child's development and growth, and that every child has the ability to learn. I think is important to teach students skills and the foundations of visual art, but to leave room for inquiry and creative interpretation. I have a passion for arts integration, which is a collaborative approach to curriculum development. Over the years I have worked with many other teachers to develop curriculum integrating the arts with other subject areas such as STEM, language arts and social-emotional learning. 

In addition to teaching, I am a professional artist. My paintings have been exhibited in galleries all across the United States! I also have my first children's book coming out in 2024.

In my free time, I  enjoy reading, painting, cooking and practicing yoga. I am a mom and I love spending time with my family. Together, we take trips and explore all the wonders of the city we live in.