My name is Laura Sullivan, and I am a middle school art teacher in northeastern Pennsylvania and a doctoral student in education. I have taught art across multiple grade levels and districts, and I am especially interested in how creative work, student voice, and thoughtful use of technology intersect in real classrooms.
This blog is a reflective space where I document the design and implementation of a blended middle school art course. My goal is to share honest lessons learned about working with limited technology, messy studio realities, and the unique challenges of teaching in “specials” areas that are often left out of traditional data conversations. I am interested in practical, adaptable structures that honor students’ lived experiences (including video games and other digital media) while keeping artmaking central.
Outside of teaching and graduate work, I am a practicing artist who enjoys oil painting, drawing, and sculpture, as well as home renovation and yard work on my rural property. Many of my best ideas for teaching arrive when I am outside on my deck with my dog, Olli, watching the landscape change with the seasons.
Professionally, I am working toward completing my doctorate with a focus on educational practices that are both evidence‑informed and realistic for busy teachers. I care deeply about student welfare, teacher collaboration, and developing sustainable ways to integrate technology into art education without losing the tactile, experimental joy of the studio. This blog is one way I hope to connect with other educators who are asking similar questions and trying things out in their own contexts.
Laura Sullivan - Blending Art, Tech, and Student Voice 