Dennis Burke
Visual Arts Educator & Interdisciplinary Artist
dennismburke@yahoo.com (708) 400-2030 Chicago, IL 60616 Illinois PEL — Visual Arts / Fine Arts K–12 · IEIN 933335 dennis-burke.pages.dev
Professional Statement

High school visual arts educator with studio instruction experience in drawing, painting, and mixed media. Teaching grounded in structured studio routines, rigorous critique, material process, and individual artistic voice. Dual graduate degrees — MEd in Secondary Visual Arts Education (DePaul, 2025) and MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts (Columbia College Chicago, 2014). Illinois Professional Educator License in Visual Arts / Fine Arts, Grades K–12. Committed to building inclusive studio environments where students develop technical fluency and authentic creative identity.

Profile

Teaching Philosophy

The classroom is an active studio. Students develop technical skills and creative confidence through sketchbooks, critique, process work, and revision — with an emphasis on drawing, painting, and mixed media.

Studio Practice

Interdisciplinary work spanning drawing, painting, installation, and performance. Investigates identity, labor, domesticity, architecture, and social sculpture through material process and endurance.

Teaching Experience
2024 – Present
Student Teacher / Visual Arts Instructor
Carl Sandburg High School · Orland Park, IL

Developed and facilitated studio-based instruction in drawing, painting, mixed media, and composition. Guided students through project planning, critique, revision, and final presentation. Maintained structured classroom routines and a safe, organized studio environment.

2024 – 2026
Substitute Teacher
Consolidated High School District 230

Maintained classroom continuity and instructional standards across diverse subject areas in secondary settings.

2023 – 2024
Visual Arts Instructor
Park District of Highland Park

Taught drawing, painting, and mixed media to students at varied skill levels using demonstrations, guided practice, and project-based instruction.

Sept – Nov 2023
Chicago Teaching Residency
Chicago Academy High School

Supported mentor teachers and classroom instruction. Observed and practiced instructional routines and student engagement strategies.

2012 – 2014
Teaching Associate & Guest Educator
Columbia College Chicago

Supported cinema, media, and interdisciplinary arts courses. Facilitated critiques, demonstrations, and student feedback sessions.

Credentials & Education
Active
Illinois Professional Educator License
Visual Arts / Fine Arts, Grades K–12 · IEIN 933335

Substitute Educator License valid through June 2029. ICTS 214 Visual Arts — Passed.

2025
Master of Education
DePaul University

Teaching and Learning: Secondary Visual Arts. GPA: 3.9. TEACH Grant recipient 2023–2025.

2014
Master of Fine Arts
Columbia College Chicago

Interdisciplinary Arts and Media. GPA: 3.744. Graduate Thesis Exhibition, Manifest Urban Arts Festival 2013.

2005
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Eastern Illinois University

Studio Art / 2-D Studio Art. Fine Arts Scholarship 2001–2005. Study abroad: Lorenzo de' Medici, Florence 2004–2005. First Place, Florence Painting Competition 2005.

2007–2008
Certificate — Painting & Drawing
School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Continuing Studies. Additional portraiture coursework, Moraine Valley College.

Instructional Skills
Drawing & Painting 2-D Design & Composition Mixed Media Critique Facilitation Portfolio Development Sketchbook Practice Observational Drawing Visual Literacy Differentiated Instruction Project-Based Learning Studio Routines Material Care & Safety Rubric Assessment Artist Statements IL Arts Standards Theatrical Set Design Art Installation
Awards & Recognition

AUSL Teaching Residency Scholarship 2023  ·  HomeSweetHouse Monograph 2014  ·  Ruth C. Boyd-Cook Painting Award 2004  ·  RISD Portfolio Award 2001  ·  Perfect AP Art Score 2001  ·  NAEA Representative, Metropolitan Museum 2001

Portfolio & studio work: dennis-burke.pages.dev  ·  Available for high school visual arts positions, visiting artist roles, and studio collaborations.