Hello! I’m Rori Shapiro, an illustrator, musician, and teacher based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. I have years of experience as a substitute instructor across Ridgefield Public Schools, including Ridgebury, Scotland, Redding, and John Read Middle School, and I’ve also taught art at Ridgefield Academy. I enjoy weaving creativity into classroom learning, developing materials, and helping students of diverse abilities explore art and music. Beyond the classroom, I’ve built curricula, created asynchronous learning content during distance learning, and organized art shows. I’ve performed as a singer and fronted a band, and I’ve staged artworks and contributed to yearbooks and after-school clubs. My work reflects a lifelong commitment to education and creative expression for learners of all ages.

Rori Shapiro

Hello! I’m Rori Shapiro, an illustrator, musician, and teacher based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. I have years of experience as a substitute instructor across Ridgefield Public Schools, including Ridgebury, Scotland, Redding, and John Read Middle School, and I’ve also taught art at Ridgefield Academy. I enjoy weaving creativity into classroom learning, developing materials, and helping students of diverse abilities explore art and music. Beyond the classroom, I’ve built curricula, created asynchronous learning content during distance learning, and organized art shows. I’ve performed as a singer and fronted a band, and I’ve staged artworks and contributed to yearbooks and after-school clubs. My work reflects a lifelong commitment to education and creative expression for learners of all ages.

Available to hire

Hello! I’m Rori Shapiro, an illustrator, musician, and teacher based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. I have years of experience as a substitute instructor across Ridgefield Public Schools, including Ridgebury, Scotland, Redding, and John Read Middle School, and I’ve also taught art at Ridgefield Academy. I enjoy weaving creativity into classroom learning, developing materials, and helping students of diverse abilities explore art and music.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve built curricula, created asynchronous learning content during distance learning, and organized art shows. I’ve performed as a singer and fronted a band, and I’ve staged artworks and contributed to yearbooks and after-school clubs. My work reflects a lifelong commitment to education and creative expression for learners of all ages.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Substitute Teacher at Ridgefield Public Schools
November 1, 2020 - Present
Substitute across Ridgefield elementary schools (Ridgebury, Scotland, Barlow Mountain, Branchville) during the 2020-2021 school year. Responsibilities included creating and implementing lesson plans for cohorts learning remotely, ensuring students had materials for all projects, developing Google Classrooms, posting weekly artist-related assignments and links, assembling asynchronous learning videos, organizing color-coded folders, displaying student artwork, and supporting distance-learning needs.
Substitute Teacher at Redding Elementary School
February 1, 2018 - Present
Substitute teacher in grades pre-K through 4th grade for four years, with duties spanning multiple subjects and classroom settings. Also served as a long-term sub for a 2nd grade classroom from November 2021 to December 2021.
Substitute Teacher at John Read Middle School
February 1, 2018 - Present
Substitute teacher for grades 5 through 8, including a variety of subjects with a focus and enthusiasm for art instruction.
Long-term Art Substitute at Ridgefield Public Schools
August 1, 2020 - November 1, 2020
Long-term art sub across Veteran’s Park Elementary and Branchville Elementary during the pandemic; developed and implemented curriculum, created asynchronous learning content, organized cohorts, and managed materials and displays.
Upper School Art Teacher at Ridgefield Academy
July 1, 2011 - June 1, 2015
Rewrote the curriculum for upper school art (grades 4-8); focused on foundational art techniques and materials; coordinated shared artist studies across grades; organized and mounted the annual art show; contributed to the yearbook; led after-school clubs including Rock Band.
One-on-One Paraprofessional at Ridgefield Public Schools
August 1, 2000 - June 1, 2011
Paraprofessional support for students in grades K-5, including work with students with disabilities in the RISE program at Barlow Mountain Elementary School.
Graphic Art/Comic Book Instructor at Brookfield Craft Center
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Taught graphic art and comic book classes in summer programs for ages 7 through 9th grade; extended program offerings through 2019-2021.

Education

Coursework/Certificate at The Institute for Children’s Literature
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Coursework/Certificate at The Institute for Children’s Literature
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Coursework/Certificate at The Institute for Children’s Literature
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2011
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design
September 1, 1995 - May 1, 1999

Qualifications

Draftsmanship Award
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1992

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other