Hey there Firebirds!

My name is Jacob Lewis, and this year I teach both Ceramics 1 and Ceramics 2, as well as one class of Drawing 1. You can usually find me in Room 211, the Ceramics Studio, where we learn how to create both functional and sculptural works of art out of clay and other materials. When I have my drawing teacher hat on, you can find me next door in Room 213, the Drawing and Painting Studio, where we learn how to create two-dimensional works of art on paper and canvas.

This is my second year teaching Art at Free State High School. Before I became a Firebird, I taught Art to kindergartners through 5th graders at Broken Arrow, New York, and Pinckney elementary schools. Nine years of Elementary Art gave me a deep appreciation for the organization and efficiency that our young artists need and learn as they spend time in the studio. I have tried my best to help our space feel comfortable and safe and, as a result, students feel free to explore different ways to make works of art they are proud of. My students learn to respect the studio and each other through cooperation, developing not just their artistic skills, but their life skills as well. We share the responsibilities of the studio by maintaining a consistent routine, working together to clean and take care of our tools and materials. We listen to each other and share our opinions in a positive environment, one where we help each other in the process of creation and evaluation of our hard work.

I grew up not far from Lawrence, in Wellsville, a rural town southeast of here, and attended the small high school there until I graduated in 2000. I attended Johnson County Community College as a casual student with no direction until I took my first real art classes in ceramics, drawing and photography. I had some incredible art teachers that made me feel like I had the skills and dedication to succeed as an artist.

In 2007, I moved to Lawrence for the first time. I began working for the school district as a Job Coach, which is the major life event that put me on a course to become a certified art teacher. During my time as a Job Coach, I supported high school students enrolled in the Work Experience Program, which connects students with local businesses to give those students a chance to learn skills in different work environments. I assisted students with gaining these skills and monitored their progress and performance. I was able to witness the success of the learning process for each student, and help celebrate them when they achieved goals like getting hired by the businesses that they trained with!

I mentioned that being a Job Coach for four years changed the course of my life, and that is because I realized that I am supposed to be a teacher. I have always enjoyed helping people achieve their goals and learn the skills they want to use for creative purposes. I decided in 2010 to go back to school and achieve my goals. I knew that I wanted to teach something that I was passionate about, so I decided to become an Art Teacher. I attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, as well as a Teacher's Licensure to teach students from pre-school all the way up to grade 12. I graduated in the summer of 2014, and before I finished my student teaching experience, I interviewed with, and was hired by, USD 497 to be the new Art Teacher at both New York and Broken Arrow elementary schools.

That's pretty much my story! It has been an amazing ten years, doing what I love - sharing my enthusiasm for learning about and creating art - and I am extremely excited about the 2024-25 school year! I am incredibly proud to be a Free State Firebird! During my eleventh year as a teacher, I look forward to increasing my capacities as an engaging and inspiring educator, and living up to the high standards I set for myself as an artist. I want to model the growth mindset of someone who shows perseverance when facing challenges, while supporting and celebrating the successes of my students. LET'S GO!!!