My name is Janessa Friesen and I love Art and Design. I have an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Art and Art History from the prestigious joint program at the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. I then earned my Honors Bachelor of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. I really enjoy working with my students; utilizing their creative outlets to accomplish a project or artwork that genuinely means something to them. I believe the best strategy for teaching any subject is to make the ordinary become extraordinary. If my students have difficulty understanding a concept, I find the best way to solve the problem is to explain things using real world applications, metaphors and personal scenarios. I strive to provide a variety of activities and assessments in all of my courses so that I can better triangulate student marks. I believe the art critique is an important part of any visual arts learning environment. By promoting an atmosphere of trust, mutual support and critical analysis, I find students can learn as much from each other as they do from their teachers. The benefits of pursuing this career are that it’s never boring or repetitive. I find it to be hugely challenging, elusive and rewarding all at the same time. It is a career where I, like my students, am always learning something new which is the best part of the job.