I am an interdisciplinary educator and artist with 20+ years of experience integrating arts, STEM, and child development across Montessori, public, private, and faith-based settings. I design engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that foster curiosity, emotional growth, and inclusive classrooms. I bring a strong background in curriculum design, classroom management, and hands-on art instruction, supported by licenses for paraprofessional and substitute teaching in Illinois. I also create digital and traditional art experiences, lead interdisciplinary studio work, and support families through program development grounded in Montessori and Reggio-inspired methods.…

Anna Rae Gilbert

I am an interdisciplinary educator and artist with 20+ years of experience integrating arts, STEM, and child development across Montessori, public, private, and faith-based settings. I design engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that foster curiosity, emotional growth, and inclusive classrooms. I bring a strong background in curriculum design, classroom management, and hands-on art instruction, supported by licenses for paraprofessional and substitute teaching in Illinois. I also create digital and traditional art experiences, lead interdisciplinary studio work, and support families through program development grounded in Montessori and Reggio-inspired methods.…

Available to hire

I am an interdisciplinary educator and artist with 20+ years of experience integrating arts, STEM, and child development across Montessori, public, private, and faith-based settings. I design engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that foster curiosity, emotional growth, and inclusive classrooms.

I bring a strong background in curriculum design, classroom management, and hands-on art instruction, supported by licenses for paraprofessional and substitute teaching in Illinois. I also create digital and traditional art experiences, lead interdisciplinary studio work, and support families through program development grounded in Montessori and Reggio-inspired methods.

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Work Experience

Paraprofessional at Keshet, Skokie
January 1, 2026 - Present
Support students with disabilities in inclusive educational settings. Collaborate with teachers and specialists to implement individualized learning plans and provide behavioral support, helping create a nurturing, accessible classroom environment that promotes social inclusion.
Curriculum Developer & Program Lead at Purple Monkey Playroom
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Designed and led hands-on creative, STEM-based learning experiences. Developed individualized curricula supporting cognitive and emotional growth and worked with families and institutions to provide nurturing, engaging learning environments.
Nanny / Infant Twin Specialist at Private Family
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Created hands-on creative and STEM-based learning experiences for infants/twins. Developed individualized curricula to support cognitive and emotional growth and collaborated with families to build safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments.
Lead Preschool Teacher at Tiny Tots
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Designed and led hands-on creative, STEM-based learning experiences. Developed individualized curricula supporting cognitive and emotional growth and partnered with families and institutions to provide nurturing, engaging early learning environments.
Substitute Teacher at Chicago Public Schools via Kokua
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Delivered instruction across diverse classrooms and grade levels while maintaining classroom structure and continuity of learning. Adapted quickly to varied educational environments and followed lesson plans to support student progress.
Owner / Art Educator at Anna Rae Art LLC
January 1, 2019 - Present
Designed and led hands-on creative and STEM-based learning experiences. Developed individualized curricula supporting cognitive and emotional growth and built and managed an independent arts education business.
Art Therapist at Lieberman Center
January 1, 2018 - Present
Facilitated therapeutic art experiences supporting emotional expression. Worked with diverse populations in structured care settings to promote communication, coping, and emotional well-being through art-making.
Assistant Professor of Art at Butler University
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Taught undergraduate studio art and art history courses. Developed course curriculum and mentored emerging artists through creative instruction, critique, and academic support.
Assistant and Lead – Montessori at Montessori of Greater Lafayette - IN + Suder Montessori – IL
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2018
Supported Montessori classrooms and STEM programming. Guided hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences and assisted with classroom operations, helping create developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.

Education

BFA at SAIC
April 22, 1997 - April 22, 2001
Interdisciplinary Fine Arts
MFA at Maine College of Art
April 22, 2007 - April 22, 2009
Interdisciplinary Fine Arts
BFA (interdisciplinary art) at Maine College of Art
January 11, 2030 - July 21, 2026

Qualifications

Illinois Substitute Teaching License
January 11, 2030 - July 21, 2026
Illinois Professional Paraprofessional License
January 11, 2030 - July 21, 2026
Curriculum Design (Montessori & Reggio-inspired education focus)
January 11, 2030 - July 21, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Financial Services, Healthcare, Computers & Electronics, Retail, Wholesale & Distribution, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment