Hello!

My name is Richard Battenfield and this is my 17th year at Garcia Middle School. Way back in my junior year of high school, I discovered the rewarding experience of teaching in digital graphics class. My higher education was split between San Jacinto South and University of Houston Clear Lake, where I graduated with a bachelor's in Applied Design and Visual Arts. My teaching certification was obtained through iTeach Texas. While at UHCL, I was a professional tutor in the photography studio, teacher's assistant to Mathew Linton (photography department head), and taught a session in the Children's Art School after-school program. During this time, I also assisted with curating artwork for display, compiled reading material for the university's capstone course, set up a lighting studio, assisted Sandria Hu (Drawing and Painting Department Head) with silkscreening her professional artwork, and created original lessons for the Children's Art School.

The goal of the GMS Visual Arts department is to prepare our students, from 6th grade to 8th, for advanced art in high school. By learning and enhancing visual literacy and technical skills students will be able to excel in advanced art classes. These skills also transfer to other disciplines in the form of time management, problem solving, materials management, and interpersonal skills to name just a few. Students at all levels of art at GMS will also be exposed to a wide variety and combination of art materials in order to promote creativity. 

Thank you for checking out my homepage!

Richard Battenfield

GMS Visual Arts Department