Sarah Erickson Cooper

1524 Grace Avenue

Lakewood, Ohio 44107
sarahericksoncooper@gmail.com
www.sarahericksoncooper.weebly.com
February 28, 2024

To Whom it May Concern:

In the Spring of 2020, I landed my dream job teaching Studio Art and AP Art and Design at Cleveland Heights
High School. I was thirsty for a change after spending the previous ten years refining my craft as an Elementary
Art Teacher in Brunswick. I love what I do and am proud of what I have accomplished at Heights after just two
short years. While I wouldn’t describe myself as an athlete, I relate to their competitive attitude as I approach my
position in the art room with a similar intensity. Art is a performance and it is my job to “coach up” my students to
perform at the highest possible level. I think about the art program at Heights in the same way a coach does. It
starts with the culture in the room.
I have big ideas for what the Art Department at Heights can be, but knew early on that I needed to focus on a
solid foundation first. My goal for my first year was to build strong working relationships with my students. I
poured as much energy as I could into my Studio I curriculum because greatness at the higher level can only
happen with mastery of what comes before. I learned so much about how to meet my goals by listening to the
kids share what they needed to meet theirs.
In one year my Studio II class went from 16 students to 26. AP Art and design went from 12 to 22 with greater
growth anticipated next school year. What is more exciting for me is that with the increase in numbers came an
increase in diversity. The students I serve in my higher level classes this year more accurately reflect the
population of the high school as a whole and the art we are producing better reflects our collective voice.
Our rosters are not the only promising statistics. This year my focus has shifted to the quality of my instruction
and of the work students are producing. While this goal is still absolutely a work in progress, we are showing
growth in some measurable areas. We went from having 2 students recognized with honors at the Regional
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards my first year to 17 in 2023. None of our students were “juried out” at the
regional level for the Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition in 2021, but last year we had 2 students with artwork
that made it to the state level. One of those works was on display at the State House last Spring.
While it feels good to see the numbers go up, what is even more rewarding is the knowledge that the most
important part of this work isn’t quantifiable. I get to see the change in my students everyday. My artists use
their work to process tough situations, express complex emotions, and connect with their peers when they feel
isolated. The positive impact this has had is palpable. It is such a privilege to utilize my BFA to draw out student
creativity, refine their technique, and engage the community in their success. I am perfectly happy in my
position and find fulfillment in the work that I do. The only thing that would bring me more joy would be to see my
work impact closer to home.
I consider my first three years at the high school level a success but know I could do even more to build the arts
community in my own backyard. That is why I would like to be considered for this position. I am good at what I
do, and I could be great with closer proximity and the opportunity to work with the amazing art educators Rocky
River already employs. I would love to use my unique skill set to see continued creative growth in Rocky River.
Please take a moment to review my educator portfolio website to better understand my experience. Feel free to
reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,
Sarah Erickson Cooper