SemonsteinDesigns

Hi, I’m Karen—yes, that Karen, but I only ask to speak to the manager of art supplies. Honestly, if the art room had a manager, we’d need a meeting about inventory, color theory, and whoever keeps putting marker caps back on like that. I create engaging middle school and high school art lessons with a modern twist: digital art projects, brainrot-inspired activities, pop art, sketchbooks, elements & principles resources, and low-prep lessons students actually enjoy.

My classroom is calm, inviting, and thoughtfully organized—basically the opposite of what you’d expect after handing paint to a room full of middle schoolers. I work hard to keep it visually engaging without making it feel like a craft store explosion. After years of teaching students on the autism spectrum and those with attention-related needs, I’ve learned that less really is more. A simple, structured space helps everyone stay focused and sane—because middle school brings enough chaos on its own. I’m also comfortable teaching across multiple ability levels, which means I can challenge advanced students while supporting those who need extra help, sometimes all in the same class period without spilling my coffee. I believe in balanced classroom management. I use PBIS, which is a fancy way of saying I notice and reward positive choices because it actually works. At the same time, I’m consistent with consequences when needed, whether that’s a behavior log entry or an office referral. In other words, I’m kind, consistent, adaptable, and I absolutely know where the referral forms are.

I’ve done some pretty unusual things in my career—like creating a life-sized “Elvis in the Gecko” installation for Geckofest, which is apparently a perfectly acceptable way to spend your time as an art teacher. I’ve also written successful grants for myself and other educators, making me part teacher, part artist, and part professional beggar—but with better formatting. Those grants have funded everything from STEM projects and classroom headphones to lockers and special education supports. Most recently, a grant sent me to Japan, where I studied indigo dyeing, woodblock printing, traditional weaving, matcha tea ceremonies, and Japanese pottery. So yes, I’ve now made art on multiple continents and still somehow get paint on my clothes every time.