Hello Outschool community!

I am April Taylor. I live with my amazing family in New York and I have been teaching visual arts on Outschool for 3+ years. I’ve been told I was “born to teach”. On Outschool, I teach art classes for children ages 8 and older. I I have classes in acrylic and watercolor painting, realistic drawing, and clay work. I hold a Bachelors degree in Art Education and a Masters degree in Professional Studies, where I focused on Humanistic and Multicultural Educational practices. I have 18+ years teaching experience in Prek-8 in virtual and in person settings. 

As a teacher, I like to keep class fun, upbeat, and flexible. During classes, I encourage balance, in terms of focus and discussion/communicating with myself and classmates. Interaction, open discussion about planning, and ideas/suggestions for their own or other's art is highly valuable, as is, quiet focus and concentration. In every class, I teach using a step by step approach to demonstrate how to do the skills and use the materials. I feel this provides a solid foundation for students to master skills and then put them to practice once they become more confident and independent. I also encourage creativity and encourage students to add or omit elements from their work that make it unique to them. I would much rather have 8 different drawings at the end, than exact replicas of mine! If a child wants to take their project in a different direction, I fully support and encourage them to do so!

When I am not painting and working with clay, I love being out in nature, spending time with my husband, two hockey loving boys, and our dog child. 

I look forward to meeting your child and helping them grow their love for art and learning. I hope to see your child in my classes soon!