Teacher Biography: Mrs. Klara Lapp

Since I teach PreK through 3rd grade art, I have two art classrooms in two buildings.  One, located in the attic of the historic elementary school; the other is room 111 in the intermediate school.  I encourage you to schedule a chat with me, but until then let me introduce myself: I have lived in the  San Juans for  eleven years now; this will be my 16th year teaching art at Colorado public schools.  For six years, I worked as a high school art  and math teacher in the North Fork area on the Western Slope, about two hours north east of Telluride.  I also taught K-12 art at a public school near Crestone, CO for my first year of teaching. In 2014/15, I co-taught a first grade class at TES.  This is my 9th year at Telluride Elementary School, and I feel so lucky to be a part of such a creative community.

Please note that I am a certified art teacher in the state of Colorado, endorsed in both art K-12 as well as classroom elementary education. Being interested in the aesthetics and the theory / mechanics of the natural world, I earned both art  (printmaking and drawing) and Biology BS degrees from Colorado State University. I successfully completed a Masters in Educator Effectiveness at Western Colorado State University in 2017.

Other interesting bits about me:  I am originally from Prague, Czech Republic, so English is my second language. This helps me empathize with ELL and dual immersion learners. I attended public schools in Hawaii and  Vermont, and am the oldest of six kids. I ski, snowboard, paddle board, paint, and I wish I could draw like a child again!  My family lives in Rico. The five of us include: my husband Ty, my daughter Harper,  two adopted dogs:Sgt. Pepper + Darwin, and a cat frisky adopted cat named Punky Brewster. 

Please read my philosophy statement for my opinions on teaching/learning. If you would like to  give suggestions or discuss your child’s art  progress and goals, contact me via email. Phone calls are not a good way to contact me since they usually disrupt art instruction.

I look forward to meeting you!       -Klara Lapp