Interested in all aspects of art education advocacy and curriculum development, especially in diverse student populations.
Professional Experience
Ms. Cafcalas has more than 30 years teaching experience, preschool through secondary levels, with a particular expertise in Visual Arts. Her most recent tenure was at the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, where she taught secondary art courses for 22 years and developed the art curriculum. During this time, she served as a Field Placement teacher for Art Education students from Oakland University, Marygrove College, and College for Creative Studies. She is also an Advisory Board member for the Art Education and Admissions departments of CCS. In addition, she taught for 6 years at the American Community Schools of Athens Greece, has extensive travel experience and is conversational in Greek. She is also a trained National Writing Project teacher consultant and International Baccalaureate teacher and has worked as an IB Visual Arts Examiner and Workshop Leader. Exhibition experience includes media such as fibers, painting, mixed media, and printmaking.
Significant Publications, Presentations and Exhibitions
WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS
• 2018- MAEA State Conference Presenter, Master’s Medley
• 2007-2016- Visual Arts Examiner and Workshop Leader, International Baccalaureate Organization, Diploma Program
o Conducted Internal Assessment moderation for IB Visual Arts candidates worldwide
o Provided training for Category 1 & 2 Visual Arts teachers
• 2007-2018- Presenter to Art Education courses at Oakland University and Northern Illinois University
• 1995- Presenter of “Sequencing Critical Inquiry,” NE/SA, Athens, Greece
• 1994-95- ACS In-service Workshop Leader & New Teacher Presentation
• 1993- Presenter of “Art Smart,” NE/SA, Nairobi, Kenya
• AWARDS & GRANTS
• 2008- “Picturing Your Community” documentary. Grant awarded by the Michigan Council for Humanities and Michigan Television
• 2007- “Picturing America” posters and materials. Grant awarded by the National Humanities Council
• 2003- “Teacher of the Month for September.” Observer and Eccentric Newspaper
• 2002 – “Image, Object and Site: Progressive Perspectives of Greece.” Grant awarded by the Mary McMullan Fund, National Art Education Foundation
