Cassandra (Cassi) Mueller is the middle school lead visual arts teacher at Alma’s Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus.
What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
When I visited Alma, the staff seemed to have positive relationships with students and be genuinely happy to be at work. I have always been drawn to the thriving and dynamic art scene in New Bedford. I got really excited thinking about how students in art classes would have the opportunity to make connections to their community and artists with shared experiences..
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
I hope to build strong and long-lasting relationships to families and guardians of my students. I am excited to learn from my colleagues and students and contribute to a positive school culture through mutual respect, self-awareness, a willingness to listen and an unwavering sense of humor.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
I wouldn’t say I had a teacher that significantly impacted me as a child or young adult. I had a mentor who taught me the importance of the arts at a very young age. She took me to the theater, exposed me to different types of performers and artists, and deeply encouraged my exploration of my creative talents and interests. She also taught me the equally essential life skills of identifying and articulating your emotions and then making an action plan to move forward. She taught me to be a lifelong learner, curious, adventurous, and kind, and showed me the tough but unconventional love I needed to grow, especially through my difficult pre-teen and teen years.
Why did you become involved in education?
I joined AmeriCorps after college as an opportunity to move to a different part of the country and try something new. In the after school program I worked in, I was assigned as a science and art teacher and reading tutor during the school day. I was fascinated by watching the thought process a student would go through to solve (academic/social/creative) problems and I enjoyed helping to facilitate that work. After 5 years in after school programs I decided to pursue a masters degree in Art Education. My thesis was focused on how the artistic process and scientific process share the same general forms of inquiry.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school?
I completed my undergraduate studies at Framingham State Graduate, and my graduate studies at Lesley University
What did you like about your college?
It was small and intimate. I was a part of very small cohorts in my major and minors. Having strong relationships with my peers and teachers helped me be successful because I wasn’t naturally a great student.
What is your favorite food?
Watermelon
What is your favorite book?
Circe by Madeline Miller