Greetings, my name is Susan Ballenger.  I am thrilled to be teaching art at Compass Public Charter School.  I have four main goals as an art teacher; to build a program that will include every student in the art experience; to prove to each student that they are creative and have ability; to teach students skills and techniques that they can use across the curriculum; and to inspire each student to do their creative best, so that every art experience is a joy.
    I grew up in Louisiana riding horses, building bamboo forts, fishing for crawfish, catfish and bass.  I graduated from Louisiana State University, where football rules, with a B.A. in Art Education and Social Studies and a B.F.A. in Graphics and Advertising.  I started my career in advertising and management and remained a free lance artist and portrait painter while turning my interest to art education.  My 25 years of teaching have included Art, Drama, World History and American History.  I have developed K-12 Art and Social Studies Curriculums and Summer Arts/Crafts Programs; chaired a Professional Development Committee and a Parent Teacher Organization; organized a Mentor Program and served as president of a Community Teachers Association.
    During these years I have also enjoyed participating in DAR, the Junior League, local theater, rodeos and 4-H.  During my years in Idaho I have enjoyed belonging to the Idaho Art Education Association and had the privilege of being a president-elect.  I have been a presenter for Technology in the Classroom and Art Conferences. 
     On a personal note, I am married to a wonderful husband, Nick, a computer engineer, whose favorite pastime is building us a cabin.  My hobbies include painting and all forms of crafts; illustration and writing children’s stories; gardening, and reading.  I also enjoy teaching art camps.
    Thank you for all your support and art donations.  I hope you get a chance to see lots of the wonderful artworks the Compass students create.