Sharon M. Gardner-Baker

Hello, my name is Sharon Gardner-Baker.  I live in the Indianapolis area with my husband and three stepkids.  I received my BS in Art Education and my BFA in Ceramics from Ball State University in 2011.  I earned a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology from Purdue University Global in 2022.  I am currently working toward my Masters of Art in Art Education from Eastern Illinois University, graduating this coming spring.  

I have spent most of my career teaching art at the high school level.  I taught at the Indianapolis School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and have made concerted efforts to gain experience working with disabled students.  I am neurodivergent myself and grew up with three brothers on the Autism Spectrum ranging from mild to profound.  It is a passion of mine to help students of all abilities gain equal access to the artmaking process.  

I also have a passion for learning the ins and outs of the equipment used in the art world, specifically for ceramics.  I worked for the  American Art Clay Company (AMACO) for six years and was the first woman to be hired into their engineering department in 2016.  I also worked for their educational outreach department and traveled the country, teaching other art teachers how to use clay and glazes.  I also did workshops for colleges, universities, and art centers for kiln and pottery wheel repair and maintenance. 

I've been back in public schools teaching for three years now and just started my ninth year of teaching overall.  I am also a club sponsor for Quiz Bowl and the Japanese Language Club.  We get to go to Japan this coming summer!  

Thank you for taking the time to review my portfolio and resume.