Students at Santaluces High School are lucky to have Ms. Pizza guiding them through creativity and self-expression. From drawing, to jewelry making, she brings enthusiasm, humor, and a genuine love for teaching that inspires her students every day. We had the chance to sit down with her and learn more about her approach to teaching and her passions in the classroom.
What do you teach?
“I teach drawing.”
How would you describe drawing to someone who’s never done it before?
“Drawing is the basis of all visual communication and many other creative ideas in education. With strong drawing skills, you can communicate with anyone, anywhere.”
What do you love about teaching?
“I love the ‘aha’ moment when students finally grasp a technique. Seeing the joy on their faces when they understand and can execute something—it’s pure magic.”
What is the best part of teaching art?
“Seeing my students succeed and helping them earn full scholarships to college.”
Tell me a little about your jewelry making club.
“In Jewelry Making Club, we teach real techniques to build on what students already know or start from the basics. It helps them be creative. We also discuss design principles so students can apply that knowledge to other areas. And, of course, it’s fun!”
What do you do to impact this year’s students?
“I always teach with humor and enthusiasm. I show my students a lot of love to help them get invested and build rapport. I care about them and their grades just as much as they do. That makes them feel safe, open, and honest—sometimes even more than in other classes. I end up learning a lot from them, and it’s wonderful.”
It’s still early in the year, but what are you excited about for the rest of the year?
“My goal is to cover all the basics in the first two quarters. By the third and fourth quarters, students will have more freedom to be creative, pursue their own projects, and bring their personal preferences into their work. That’s when the magic really happens.”
Ms. Pizza’s dedication and passion makes her classroom at Santaluces High School a place where students not only learn art, but also feel valued and inspired. Her energy, humor, and commitment ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow creatively and personally throughout the year.
