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Bio

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Hi. My name is Bella May and I am an educator and illustrator based in Portland Maine. I graduated with a BFA in illustration from the Maine College of Art and Design in the Spring of 2024. I am I am currently pursuing my Masters in the Art of Teaching at MECA&D. As an artist, my work usually has a rustic and traditional style with hints of humor. As an art educator, it is my hope I can create a safe space for students to freely explore their creativity. My values align in representation throughout a curriculum, social emotional learning, accessibility, and acceptance along with inclusion.

Contact me directly: isabellamaydavid@gmail.com

Teaching Philosophy

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As an educator I work to create an inclusive classroom culture through my reflective teaching practice, commitment to student advocacy, having visibility of identities, and using Diversity Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.). In order to truly support my students, I make space for constant examination of my teaching practice, through a discipline of reflection and repair where I implement improvements to the curriculum and educational framework. My teaching practice draws from Social Emotional Learning, Studio Habits of Mind, Universal Design for Learning, Cognitive Load Theory, Culturally Responsive Teacher practices, and collaboration. 

I aim to identify all of my students' needs, identities, artistic and intellectual development levels so I can tailor my classes to their individual needs to ensure each student is seen and heard. Artistically, I also work to expand student's toolboxes of techniques and methods. Further, by expanding visual, cultural, and social reference points I execute diverse content which relate to and respect relevant information. 

Whether it is supporting a student managing their class time, regulating their emotions, providing a modification to a curriculum, or creating an adaptive tool, I will always show up with a tool kit of compassion, resources, innovative solutions, and a well rounded artistic background. 

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Sophomore
Biddeford High School, Maine

My favorite thing that Mx. B taught me was how to go through a long creative process and not get frustrated just because it’s taking so long. Mx. B also taught me about widening my art horizons, like learning how to use weighted pencils.

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Melissa Maher
Art Teacher, East End Community School,
Portland Maine

Bella understands the critical role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the art classroom. They excel at cultivating safe and welcoming spaces where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and building meaningful

connections with their peers. Their strengths lie in their ability to make students feel seen and heard, reinforce positive relationships, and create a sense of community that celebrates diversity and promotes equity.

Senior

Mx. B taught me to have confidence

Junior

They taught me how to manage my time better in class!

Junior

Mx. B taught me how to blend my clay and patients❤️

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