About

I am a dual-certified teacher, holding two Single Subject Teaching Credentials in Art and English Language Arts (ELA). The 2016-2017 school year will serve as my second year teaching with the Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts team.

The subjects that I have taught at MCAA include 8th Grade ELA, 10th Grade ELA, and Beginning to Advanced Art. To learn about individual subjects, click on the links above in the site navigation bar. Course information will be provided, including a course syllabus, homework assignments, and unit links and resources.

To learn more about me as an educator, check out my Art Gallery, Teaching Philosophy, and Teacher Resource sections (below). To contact me, e-mail me at cdornfeld@mjusd.com, or complete the form at the bottom of this page.

philosophy

An efficient classroom and art studio requires responsible participants,

clear expectations, and an emphasis on safety and student-led success.

As an effective teacher, classroom management is a daily and vital reality.

I employ classroom management through a variety of techniques, including

Assertive Discipline and Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) to produce student

engagement and accountability.

I am continuously developing and modifying my own curriculum,

in order to tailor units to meet the individual needs of my students.

Curriculum is organized into Modules and Units. I select module and unit

topics that are grade-level appropriate, with the interests of my students

in mind. Following in the footsteps of Interdisciplinary Education, I weave

the arts, literature, history, and current events into my curriculum. Project-Based learning, collaborative group-activities, and public forums (e.g. Socratic Seminars and debates) are common features of my classroom.

I encourage responsible and active student participation as citizens in the classroom - and

beyond. I understand that the actions, expectations, and ideas that I model may “stick” with my students. As such, I endeavor to create a positive and safe learning environment for my students:

Collaboration, creativity, and problem solving become bridges to new discoveries. To learn more

about the foundations of my teaching philosopy (Assertive Discipline, EDI, Interdisciplinary Education), as well as other great resources, check out the "Educational Resources" section, below: