Megan Elizabeth DiFranco
609 439 7809 | megan.e.difranco@gmail.com | 1715 Linvale Harbourton Road | Lambertville, NJ 08530
Online Portfolio megandifranco.com | YouTube Channel Megan DiFranco
Profile Summary
I am an artist and art educator with a passion for
fostering learning and creative thinking in my
students. I prepare lessons which engage the
learners in responding to meaningful prompts
with individualized, real world connections. My
students are encouraged to adopt a growth
mindset in the art room which allows each learner
to face and overcome challenges to reach their
potential.
Certifications and Education
New Jersey Department of Education Standard
NJ Teaching Certification: Art K-12, 2019
New Jersey City University
New Pathways to Teaching in New Jersey
Teacher Certification Program, 2019
University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting
with Honors, 2006
Mercer County Community College, Trenton, NJ
Associate of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting
with Honors, 2004
Accomplishments
The current pandemic has challenged traditional
teaching modes. I’ve adapted by using:
• Instagram @vcs_art_class: Daily “live” art
lessons with archived video and virtual
student art show.
• Google’s G-suite: Created systems for
collecting and organizing student work for all
specialist classes.
Professional Presentations and Publications
2017:
• Presented at and participated in panel for Art
Educators of NJ event “Engaging Students
with Special Needs in Art Class” at Grounds
For Sculpture.
2014:
• East Winsdor Exhibit Celebrates Arc Artists’
Extraordinary Talent, Times of Trenton, nj.com
Professional Experience
K-8 Art Educator | Village Charter School | Trenton, NJ
(September 2017-Present)
• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans for K-8
students aligned with NJ Visual Arts Standards and National
Core Arts Standards.
• Collaborate with specialist teachers to create student-
centered activities for annual, themed school-wide
“Specialist Fair”.
• Host and organize “Family Art Night” and “Special Guest
Artist” events for the school community.
• Co-chair, Service Learning Committee; organize annual
distribution of student-created valentines for veterans,
seniors and patients of the Trenton Psychiatric Hospital.
Visual Arts Program Manager | The Arc Mercer | Ewing, NJ
(November 2013 - July 2017)
• Develop a skill-appropriate and engaging art curriculum for
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Established relationships with community organizations to
facilitate exhibition of art program artwork in the region.
• Elwyn Certified Crisis Management Trainer - Conduct
trainings for staff on how to prevent and de-escalate conflict
and crisis situations.
Professional Presentations and Publications
2017 Lecturer and participant in panel for Art Educators of NJ
event “Engaging Students with Special Needs in Art Class” at
Grounds For Sculpture.
2014 East Winsdor Exhibit Celebrates Arc Artists’ Extraordinary
Talent, Times of Trenton, nj.com
Awards, Exhibits and Residencies
2006 Watercolor Award, Philadelphia Watercolor Society
2005 George R. Bunker Fine Arts Summer Study Program for
Painting and Printmaking, Residency in Great Spruce Head
Island, ME
2004 Ceramics Award, Mercer County Community College,
Trenton, NJ
2002 James J. Colavita Memorial Scholarship Award, Mercer
County Community College, Trenton, NJ
Exhibits
• The Art Station, The Gallery at Plainsboro Public Library
• A Feast for the Eyes, Revolution at Gallery 125, Trenton, NJ
• Philadelphia Sketch Club, Annual Show, 235 S Camac St,
Philadelphia, PA
• Artists of Great Spruce Head Island, Handworks Gallery, Blue
Hill, Maine