Dr. Kymberly M. Cruz
Dr. Kymberly Cruz is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She earned a BFA in Graphic Design before deciding to teach. She taught high school visual arts in DeKalb County, Georgia for 16 years. She has been a member of National Art Education Association since 1997 and three of their state affiliates as well. She earned her Master’s Degree in Art Education from University of West Georgia completing a thesis titled, “Art Education Law: A Review and Analysis of Legal Issues for Art Teachers. She earned her doctorate from Georgia State University and as a part of her studies she taught the Secondary Methods course for art teachers. Her research interests are Arts Education Policy Studies, Legal Issues in Art Education, and Partnering Solutions to Sustain Art Education. From 2013-2015, she worked as the Senior Coordinator for Visual Arts in Polk County, Florida. During her tenure, she spearheaded the redesign of the K-12 curriculum maps and established FIRST3, a program for art teachers with less than 3 years of experience. Cruz is an AP Art History College Board consultant, served as a reader, and presently serves on their AP Consultants Advisory Board. In March 2015, she began her tenure as Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Senior Program Officer for Arts Education. She initiated the revitalization of the Instrumental Music Program, streamlined operational structures, and generated additional funds into the annual budget. She serves on advisory boards and eager to preserve the many partnerships and traditions in PPS and establish new ones as well.
