Melissa McGill

Art teacher

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Niskayuna, New York. Art has been a passion of mine since I was a young child drawing Disney characters. I eventually went to art school in Boston, where I studied illustration and animation. I later earned my masters degree in art education at Brooklyn College. I decided the city life was too busy for me and moved back upstate to teach and continue making art.

Why did you choose teaching as a profession, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Throughout college I worked as an arts and crafts instructor at a summer camp. This is where I discovered how much I enjoy working with children and adolescents. I realized that as an art teacher I could combine my passion for art with my love of working with students. My biggest joy in teaching is getting to know my students and seeing the incredible artwork they make.

From what do you draw inspiration in your teaching career?

I draw inspiration from the art world. This includes: fashion, animation, illustration, films, and more. Bringing this outside information into the classroom keeps the lessons exciting.

Why teach at PTECH?

I want to teach at PTECH because the students come first. Through project based learning, students are able to construct knowledge through hands-on, engaging, and relevant scenarios. I also appreciate that art education is highly valued by the teachers and administration at PTECH.

What are some of your interests outside of work?

Some of my interests outside of work include: drawing, painting, dance, and film.