I am Skylar Ghrairi, a visual artist and art educator with a passion for helping students discover confidence, creativity, and a sense of personal voice through art. My journey into teaching began with my own high school art teacher, whose belief in my potential showed me the profound impact a dedicated educator can have. That experience guides the way I teach today—with encouragement, high expectations, and a belief that every student is capable of meaningful artistic growth.

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I earned my degree in Art and later taught English as a Second Language in South Korea, an experience that strengthened my ability to support multilingual and culturally diverse learners. Living abroad broadened my global perspective and helped shape my approach to building inclusive, supportive studio environments where all students feel valued.

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Alongside teaching, I maintain an active studio practice. My artwork—centered on animals, symbolism, and expressive mark-making—has been sold across the United States and internationally. I also founded Altered Oak, a small art business whose house-portrait ornaments were featured on the Today Show. My ongoing studio practice enriches my teaching by modeling creative risk-taking, craftsmanship, and the discipline of sustained artistic exploration.

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Now in my second year of teaching visual arts, in Boulder, Colorado, I design units that balance technical skill with creativity, experimentation, and student-led inquiry. I prioritize building strong rapport with students and cultivating a classroom environment where they feel confident exploring ideas, collaborating with peers, and connecting art to their lived experiences. I aim to empower young artists to see themselves as creative thinkers and capable makers.

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I hold a Master of Arts in Education, as well as additional graduate credits in ESL and multilingual education, which deepen my ability to support diverse learners. As I continue growing as both an educator and an artist, I am excited to bring my passion for creativity, global perspective, and student-centered learning to an international school community.

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Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.
– Sidney Hook

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