Lauren E. Clark, Elementary Art Teacher, Buffalo Elementary School
Mrs. Lauren Clark began her career as an art educator 19 years ago at Freeport Area School District. She currently teaches Kindergarten through 5th Grade Art at Buffalo Elementary. She previously served as Art Department Coordinator for the District for 9 years.
A graduate of Upper St. Clair High School, Mrs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in art education from Edinboro University, and an M.Ed. in art education from Carlow University. In addition, painting is her favorite medium and she loves art history.
A member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA), and the Associated Artists of Butler County (AABC), Mrs. Clark’s art has been featured at various galleries and venues across the state. Her professional interests include arts advocacy, creative intelligence, and art-integrated curriculum (incorporating visual art within the academic subjects). Mrs. Clark also helped establish a functional Makerspace at Buffalo Elementary, and has acted as Artistic Director of Buffalo’s student musical, supervising scenery creation and set design. Finally, Mrs. Clark has served as a cooperating/mentor teacher for IUP and Carlow University student art teachers.
Mrs. Clark believes in the importance of a well-rounded art education for all students to promote imaginative learning, critical thinking abilities, and creative problem-solving skills—all necessary ingredients for success in a global society. She feels strongly that regular art instruction helps students develop 21st century learning skills and become right-brained leaders who can think outside of the box.
Mrs. Clark loves her career as an art teacher. The best part of her job is working with the wonderful Freeport students and families! Mrs Clark resides in Sarver with her husband and two rescue dogs.
Buffalo Elementary School
Lauren Clark
Acrylic on wood
Heather R. Fortuna, Art Teacher, Freeport Area High School
Miss Fortuna is in her 21st year of teaching art in the Freeport Area School District. She teaches 9th-12th grade students at the Freeport Senior High School. Miss Fortuna spent the first five years of her career teaching K-6. She is currently in her 16th year at the Senior High School.
Miss Fortuna holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Art Education from The Pennsylvania State University, with a minor in ceramics and sculpture.
Miss Fortuna is currently exploring interests in photography and glass. She is currently enrolled in a class focusing on portraits as well as a flame work class at the Pittsburgh Glass Center.
Is it Miss Fortuna’s belief that it is very important for the world to see her students’ work. Her students have been involved in many local exhibits. She also believes in bringing the world to her students through their field trips to such places as New York City, The Pennsylvania State University, Pittsburgh and many more.
Sara E. Jeffers, Art Teacher, Freeport Area Middle School
Mrs. Jeffers has been teaching art in Freeport for 12 years. She currently teaches art to 8th Graders at Freeport Area Middle School. Prior to working here at Freeport, Mrs. Jeffers has taught art in Armstrong and Moniteau school districts. This is Mrs. Jeffers’s 19th year of teaching.
Mrs. Jeffers holds a bachelor's degree in art education from Mercyhurst College, and a M.Ed. in education from Indiana University of Pa. Mrs. Jeffers is a Ford City High School graduate.
When she is not teaching, Mrs. Jeffers loves spending time with her family. Mrs. Jeffers resides in Sarver with her husband and their two daughters, Lydia Kathryn and Mila Ruby.
Additionally, Mrs. Jeffers offers painting parties for groups of children and/or adults.
Kimberly D. Osheskie, Elementary Art Teacher (South Buffalo Elementary School and Freeport Area Middle School)
Mrs. Osheskie is currently in her second year teaching Art within Freeport Area School District. She teaches grades Kindergarten through 5th grade at South Buffalo Elementary and 6th grade at Freeport Middle School. Prior to this year, she taught Art in the New Kensington Arnold School District for 7 years where she taught both elementary and high school art.
Mrs. Osheskie holds a bachelor’s degree of Fine Art from Slippery Rock University with a K-12 Art Teacher certification from Carlow University. She is a former graduate of Freeport Area School District and is excited to work in the area she grew up in.
In her spare time, she enjoys creating, relaxing, and spending time with her husband, son and Golden Retriever, Duke.