About the Author

Rachel Somerville

On my journey as an art teacher, curriculum director, and professor of art education, I have, time and time again, returned to AEOU’s accessible online resources for guidance on a variety of topics related to best practices and frameworks in education. AEOU’s resources align with my own philosophy of education and mission for equity in school. When the opportunity to teach with AEOU arose, I was thrilled to become a part of the team and continue my journey as a teacher and learner.

Dr. Somerville’s approach to teaching emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and student voice. Through her experience as a teacher and administrator in K–12 settings, she believes that quality art programming in the visual arts should be provided by art specialists and supported by school leaders, classroom teachers, arts organizations, and community programs. She feels that this partnered instruction serves to enhance a collaborative and authentic approach to learning.

Rachel Somerville holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California, Davis. Her doctoral work centered on research that bridges the divide among innovation, community, and education, studying makerspaces within formal education and examining teachers as early implementers of this movement and the academic conditions that foster creativity.

Professional Accomplishments: 

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, The University of California – Davis, CA | 2015

Making in Education: A Study Of Teachers Decisions to Participate in Professional Development, Their Emerging Understandings Of Making, And Teacher Plans For Implementation – UC Davis — Publication | 2015

West Marin Review Vol. 2  – Marin, CA — Publication | 2009

Master of Arts in Art Education, Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ | 2007

An Action Research Account: Mapping The Built Environment In An Urban After-School Program – Arizona State University — Publication | 2006

Teacher’s Guide and Lesson Plans – Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art  — Publication | 2005

Bachelor in Fine Arts, Scripps College for Women – Claremont, CA | 2002