BFAAE, QTS
DiAnna attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with Emphasis in Art Education. She began her teaching career in the United States, and has since spent the last decade teaching in international schools across South Korea, Malaysia, and the UAE. With experience in both American and British Curriculums, DiAnna has worked with students at the Primary and Secondary levels, teaching a broad range of art media and subject matter- from drawing and painting to ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, digital media, and even set and stage design. Her tenure in leadership roles, such as Head of Fine Arts, has enriched her comprehension of student learning and needs across diverse age groups, which led her to join BSB, attracted by its vibrant community, academic excellence, and rigorous IGCSE and IBDP Art and Design programme.
DiAnna is passionate in helping her students develop a lasting passion for both art and learning, and believes that innovation is built upon a strong foundation of skills. She prioritises the integration of community-focused art projects, and learning opportunities for families into her practice, and has led a number of large scale installations and exhibitions including the management of a school gallery, and a recent community tile mural.
She is a strong advocate for sustainability in art education, and recently ran a creative workshop on sustainable ceramics practices at the International Society for Education Through the Arts’ 37th World Congress in Türkyie. DiAnna aspires to help students develop an awareness that sustainable practices and ethical considerations in the choice and use of materials is essential for responsible artistic practice.
Outside of work, DiAnna is an avid golfer and looks forward to joining the golf community in Beijing. She maintains a studio practice as an interdisciplinary artist, working across 2D and 3D media, and has exhibited her art in the US, Malaysia, and the UAE, including a recent showcase at the Sikka Art & Design Festival in Dubai. She loves connecting with local art scenes and deepening her understanding of art and cultural histories through her international experiences. Her excitement to join BSB Shunyi is not only rooted in its attractive programme and school community, but also in the excitement of joining a community based in the rich art and cultural history of Beijing.
