Amber Crunk said her job teaching art at White Oaks Elementary is rewarding.
“Each day, I have the opportunity to inspire students to be curious and confident,” she said.
Crunk is a finalist for VBCPS citywide Teacher of the Year.
Principal Danielle Williams said Crunk touches the lives of each of the school’s approximately 650 students with creativity, kindness and dedication.
“She builds a welcoming classroom where every student feels valued, supported and excited to learn.”
Crunk was inspired by a high school teacher to pursue photojournalism in college. She worked in the field for seven years before deciding to study elementary education.
Ten years ago, she began her teaching career at Point O’ View Elementary.
While at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Crunk said she had “a moment of clarity.”
“I was happiest helping my son be creative,” she said.
She earned a visual arts credential and became White Oaks’ art teacher in 2020.
Crunk said making a connection with students helps them become more confident.
She enjoys the opportunity to allow them to creatively express themselves through a variety of enriching art experiences.
This past spring they ventured into the school garden with clipboards to make observational drawings of nature.
Crunk also created an “art zoo” within the classroom, challenging students to draw an array of special guests: live animals, including a parakeet, tadpoles, a gecko, hamster and her family pet “Piper.”
The English Labrador, a certified therapy dog, attends school daily and often provides extra comfort for students in need.
A “Piper Pass,” may be earned to spend time with the pup.
Crunk adapts her art lessons to all students, including those with extensive intervention needs, significant delays and some who need a little extra support in inclusion classrooms.
Her new peer-to-peer art initiative pairs fifth graders with kindergarten and first grade special education students. Students build a positive self-image and gain self-esteem, she said.
Crunk belongs to several organizations, including Teachers Without Borders, Arts Alliance Virginia, the Virginia Art Education Association, and is the school’s safety patrol advisor and SCA co-advisor.
She recently won a first-place staff member award in the “Season of Nonviolence Art and Poetry Contest,” and received a “Pearl Award for Visual Arts Teaching Excellence.”
School counselor Karidah Cotten said Crunk’s influence extends far beyond the walls of her art classroom.
Crunk radiates creativity, fosters confidence and promotes emotional well-being for students, she noted.
“She has an extraordinary gift for reaching the hearts and minds of her students.”
