Meet Rebekah Tee of Spring Woods Visual Arts in Spring Branch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Tee.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Rebekah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I had always taken an art course while earning a music degree. When I taught extended day art while working as a P.E. Aide and private music teacher, I realized I wanted to teach art full time. I have since then taught all grade levels in 4 Houston school districts: Aldine, Clear Creek, KIPP, and now Spring Branch. I used my experience to develop new curriculum for visual arts to expand that extensively to 16 other art programs in my previous district. I was teaching 19 different art curricula stacked in multiple class periods. I loved that challenge and the success of my students was most rewarding. I chose to continue working at another school that predominately serves first generation to graduate or go to college. I am gutting the visual arts program in order to provide a competitive environment for our artists.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was once recruited to be part of a staff that was also recruited as the strongest teachers from their district. The idea was to put these strong educators on one team with a common passion to yield a high graduation rate and college acceptance to a low income population. This was attractive, since I worked through the typical administrative bureaucracy or jumping through hoops for full support. Unfortunately, that team dissolved quickly. The destination of education scares me. I fear not having the tools to help our students because of budget cuts. I know many hands are tied so I must find creative solutions. And, kids’ needs are constantly changing…keeping up with the logistics of those are overwhelming.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I accepted a position as a visual arts teacher in a low income/at-risk area. I am more attracted to working with these students because they have the passion to succeed yet are expected to “fail” comparatively. Nothing makes me more driven than to teach these students about succeeding with class and humility. I set the standard with an attitude that the program WILL be an elite part of SBISD: “The Visual Arts Tigers are part of a competitive and exemplary program in the Spring Woods Visual Arts. The Artists in Residence at Spring Woods HS prioritize a rigorous curriculum.”

The results are evident. Students have had a significant growth on their resumes with local to national awards. The art teachers are practicing art by example and working side by side with the students. Their confidence has soared and are representing their community as leaders of SBISD. They are eager give back and are hungry to learn more.

What were you like growing up?
I was always driven, artistic, and a multi-tasker. I plunged into school, joining every club I could and active in band and art and president of both. I was self-disciplined in an odd way, giving myself a schedule to follow even during summers. Although I was voted “Most Mischievous,” I never earned detention. I liked to use wit to make my friends laugh but was a pretty good kid. I exercised since I was very young and wanted to rescue every animal. Without getting into details, I had to grow up pretty fast…but that only made me determined and a stronger teacher for my students.

Pricing:

• Sponsorships to enter student work in contests (all are on free lunch) $30
• Donations for art supplies (any amount)
• Donations for paint/storage for art wing dedication to art teacher who passed away

Contact Info:

• Address: 2045 Gessner Road
  Houston, TX 77080
• Website: springbranchisd.com
• Phone: 713-320-9201
• Email: springwoodsvisualarts@gmail.com
• Instagram: @visualartstiger
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visualartstiger/?ref=bookmarks
• Twitter: @visualartstiger
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipphoustonartschool/

Image Credit:
Spring Woods Visual Arts

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.