Synopsis
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My full name is Emily June Wood. I grew up in a small Midwestern town with two brothers, and I wouldn’t trade that
experience for anything. The place I have called home for the last 5 years is a slightly larger, rural community. It is quiet and quaint. I especially love how the sun rises softly over the trees on my way to work. It is located rather near to Chicago and Champaign/Urbana, opening new opportunities and adventures outside of the narrow streets of Paxton. My first love in the art world was for photography and graphic design. I later found my niche in the fine art side and focused heavily in both areas throughout my college career. I have a love for people, service, community, music, all things art, and learning new things! |
Career
Career-wise I have been the Art and Graphic Instructor at Paxton-Buckley Loda High School in Paxton, IL since 2013. I teach Art II, Art III, 2D/3D Art, I.S. Art IV, Graphic Design - Adobe Photoshop and Photography, and Graphic Design: Adobe Illustrator and Layout Design. While here I have created and implemented our artist of the month program, Featuring Artist, our Artist of the Year competition and award, and designed and added two new courses to our department; 2D/3D Art, and Graphic Design: Adobe Illustrator and Layout Design. My students have had great opportunities to leave a legacy here. They have created permanent artwork, mostly murals, in several different locations (and counting!) at the high school.
I am also the Art League Sponsor, Class Sponsor, Prom Sponsor, and a Navigator Program Designer. (our mentoring program for new staff) |
Personal
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On a personal note, my family is pretty sweet. My husband, my creative soulmate, is a full-time freelance motion design. Check his work out HERE! My older brother, Jay, is a high school Principal, and my twin brother, Adam, lives and works in the healthcare industry in Utah with his wife, Brittany. My parents, both retired, my mom after teaching over 25 years at the elementary level. They have relocated since retirement; now enjoying the scenery of Arkansas.
I really enjoy people and spend a majority of my free time with my husband and dog, as well as friends and co-workers. I also spend time creating outside of the classroom which might be in the kitchen, in my garden, or with a paint brush. I fancy live music, good coffee, the outdoors, flowers, cooking, learning new things, and exploring the opportunities around me. Being involved in the community I live in is sort of a philosophy I live by. Teaching lends itself well to this, but I also help lead youth group at the church I call home and help wherever is needed. This knack for service and its importance is one thing I hope to install in my students. |