Her Story
About Courtney
Courtney Ries is a dedicated educator with 15 years of teaching experience in K-12 visual art and 4 years as a professor. She teaches middle school art, including costume and set design, and has designed her own curriculum for grades 6 through 8. As a professor at her alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, in the College of Education, she prepares artists to become art teachers while pursuing her doctorate in education with an emphasis in art education. Her goal is to influence educational policy to keep art in K-12 schools. Courtney is an active member of the California Art Education Association and the National Art Education Association. Her contributions have been recognized with awards such as California Rookie Art Teacher of the Year in 2012, the PTSA Teacher of the Year Award, and the Outstanding Educator of the Year from the Orange County Arts and Music Administrators in 2018 after three nominations. She attributes her success to finding her passion through art and a commitment to being herself while supporting students with honesty, hard work, and transparency.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Courtney
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've been in survival mode since I was young and worked many jobs like delivering mail, Home Depot, Ralphs before starting teaching at age 30. I feel grateful and lucky to now be getting my doctorate. When you find your passion the energy, focus and hard work comes. I was lucky enough to know my passion through art and wanting to enlighten society on how crucial it is to just be yourself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Every day is a new day. When a kid acts out they are hurting so sit with them, make eye contact, hear them and say if you don't want to do this today go try tomorrow. Respect students and they respect you back. This is their childhood, it's 5 seconds long. Kids are going through hell behind the scenes so be that one adult who shows up consistently with the same mood and support every day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be yourself and trust your instincts always. Women are natural nurturers, pay attention to our biology. What you are willing to see and give is enough. Stop exhausting yourself over raising your expectations. Adopt a slow-living perspective, slow down and listen to your intuition and interpersonal relationships. Put the device down, give eye contact and hear every word before responding.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in education is suffocating expectations from administration, rise in special ed students requiring differentiated instruction, English language learners, parents complaining about grades, emails, no prep time, all fingers pointed at teachers, lack of respect especially after COVID. It's hard and I think about leaving every year but shut my door and show up for the kids.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and hard work. Recognizing it doesn't have to be perfect. Show transparency and be human with students. Be transparent and honest, work hard and show hard work.
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