Meloni Andrada

Professional Biography:
I received an A.A. Degree in Art from West Valley College in 1975 and a B.A. from San Jose State in Art/Graphics from 1984-1988.  I then worked as a Graphics Manager for a Space Corporation for 4 years.  My exposure to education happened when I became a preschool teacher, working with 2-year-olds through 5-year-olds for eight years at Cathedral of Faith Church.  It was a wonderful job I enjoyed very much. I then decided to continue with teaching, and moved to San Jose Christian.  I have worked in various capacities at San Jose Christian School since 1999. I was hired as Daycare Director for two years, and the next three years I was the 2/3 Aide, and Art aide.  The last five years I have been teaching Elementary Art and Middle School Art.

Personal Biography:
I grew up in San Jose in a family of four and attended Del Mar High School before going on to West Valley and then San Jose State. I love to draw, paint, and read.  Mystery and history books and old, turn-of-the-century cookbooks are among my favorites.  I love to garden and go fishing, and my family is very important to me. We travel to the beach whenever we can. My family and I attend Cathedral of Faith in San Jose where I have been a member for 20 years.

Christian Philosophy of Education:
Christianity is integrated into Art History and the world of Art.  As we study Art History we must also look at God’s artwork in His creation and the way in which artists throughout history have interpreted that creation and expressed their own opinions about it through their work.  Whether we are studying drawing, painting, or Mosaics and three-dimensional art, we must work to interpret the visual statements of these artists and think about our own responses to those views.  This kind of discernment and wrestling with culture demonstrates responsible Christianity.  As we learn to create our own pieces, we too must decide how we feel about God and the world and then express that worldview through our work.  I believe each student’s ability to create art comes from inside, and I try to help them to communicate those emotions and feelings when creating their artwork.