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Andrea Preston, Bio

After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in NYC in 2004 with a BFA in Illustration, Andrea moved back to her hometown of Miami and launched her career as an artist. She worked as a freelance muralist, portrait artist and graphic designer before she felt a calling to teach. She longed for a greater sense of purpose in her work and was passionate about inspiring young people. She started her first class as a portfolio coach for a small art studio in the heart of Miami and after 100% of her students were accepted to magnet high schools, Andrea’s reputation as an instructor blossomed.

From 2006-2009, Andrea worked as an adjunct professor of 2D Design and Painting at New World School of the Arts High School. In 2009, she transitioned to a new magnet charter school, Miami Arts Charter School, where she held the position of Director of Visual Arts for 7 years. That position opened up new arenas for Andrea as an administrator and educator, bringing to light her proclivity for writing, program development and community building, in addition to teaching art.

After the birth of her second child in 2016, Andrea took on a position as a curriculum developer at a post-secondary vocational school called M.A.D.E. (Miami Arts & Design Education), a sister campus to the Com’Art schools based in France. At M.A.D.E., Andrea benefitted from putting her newfound passion for writing into practice, conceiving of descriptions for Graphic Design, Interior Design, Event Design and Fine Art diploma programs that were approved and licensed by the State of Florida.

In 2020, when Andrea’s children were entering grade school, she made the move to American Heritage School in Broward County where she is still employed today. She teaches advanced Drawing, Painting, AP Studio Art and Portfolio Development for grades 9 through 12. Andrea is grateful to be putting down roots at one of the most highly rated schools in the state, while enjoying the peace of mind that comes from having her two young children nearby on the same campus.

Art is not the possession of the few who are recognized writers, painters, musicians; it is the authentic expression of any and all individuality.

John Dewey - American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer.

Andrea Preston, Resume

EDUCATION  

BFA, School of Visual Arts (SVA), NYC — 2004 

EXPERIENCE  

VISUAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR, American Heritage School, Plantation, FL 2020 - Present

  • Course List:  • Advanced Placement Studio Art - 2D Art & Design • Advanced Placement Studio Art - Drawing • Figure Drawing • Portrait Drawing • Drawing 2 • Painting 1 Honors • Painting 2 Honors

  • National Art Honor Society Sponsor:  Manage NAHS membership, activities, fundraisers and special events.

  • Portfolio Coach for College Admissions:  Provide one-on-one guidance to seniors at American Heritage who are seeking admission to undergraduate art programs. College selection, portfolio development, artwork curation, statement writing, resume & website development. 

PRIVATE PORTFOLIO COACH, Preston Portfolio Coaching, FL, NY & Abroad, 2019-PRESENT

DIRECTOR OF ADVISEMENT & INSTRUCTOR, Miami Arts & Design Education, Miami, FL 2016-2019  https://www.comart-design.com/

  • Administrative Responsibilities:

    • Curriculum Development:  Wrote program descriptions, objectives, outcomes and course offering lists for post-secondary vocational diploma programs in Applied Arts, Event Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Web Design. (Approved by the Florida CIE in 2017) 

    • Faculty Training:  Provided support to faculty related to content development, delivery & student engagement.

    • Education Coordination:  Reviewed course content, managed Canvas Class Pages, conducted Instructor Evaluations.  

    • Student Advisement:  Provided support to students with course selection.

    • Promotional Design:  Created digital and print marketing material. Contributed to branding and marketing strategies.

  • Teaching Responsibilities:  

    • Classes Taught (Vocational, Adult): Drawing, Graphic Design, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop  

DIRECTOR OF VISUAL ARTS, Miami Arts Charter School, Miami, FL 2009 - 2016  www.miamiartscharter.net  

  • Teaching Responsibilities: Delivered effective instruction to a population of diverse learners.  

    • Courses Taught: AP Studio Art  2D Design, Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design, Figure Drawing, College Research & Career Readiness 

  • Administrative Responsibilities: 

    • Curriculum Development: Wrote and implemented a comprehensive curriculum for a  magnet-level 6-12th grade Visual Arts Program to meet state and national standards.  

    • Hiring and Faculty Assignments: Conducted interviews and placed faculty. 

    • College Recruitment: Built a network of admissions directors from nationally  recognized art and design colleges and arranged ongoing recruitment visits.  

    • Internship Program: Created and maintained an Internship Program matching students  with professional fine artists as apprentices/assistants. 

    • Exhibitions & Events: Produced multiple exhibitions annually, including marketing  materials, thesis statement, entertainment, installation and tear down.  

  • Accolades:

ADJUNCT FACULTY, New World School of the Arts, Miami, FL 2006-2009  

  • Courses Taught: 2D Design & Painting