ULISES RIVERO
Gurnee
Summary
Dynamic high school art teacher and department leader with extensive experience in curriculum design and innovative instructional methods. Expertise in redesigning visual arts curricula and successfully leading AP Art and Design courses, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence. Proven track record in developing impactful lesson plans that foster collaborative learning environments while adapting to diverse student needs. Recognized for dedication to student success through creative teaching strategies and effective teamwork, ensuring a vibrant and engaging educational experience.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lecturer of Methods and Materials of Visual Arts Teaching
North Park University, School of Education
09.2025 - Current
- Developed and delivered curriculum on visual arts teaching methods, focusing on effective pedagogical strategies for high school art instruction.
- Designed comprehensive curricula for visual arts education tailored for prospective high school art teachers.
- Instructed and modeled a variety of teaching methodologies, emphasizing best practices in high school art instruction.
- Evaluated and provided feedback on lesson plans to ensure alignment with educational standards and effective learning outcomes.
- Mentored student teachers in classroom management and instructional delivery specific to secondary art education.
AP Art and Design Reader
College Board
06.2020 - Current
- Reviewed and assessed AP Art and Design portfolios, applying curriculum standards and best practices for high school art education.
- Evaluated and scored AP Art and Design portfolios based on established high school curriculum and artistic criteria.
Art teacher, Department Lead & AP Art and Design Teacher
Aspira of Illinois
01.2014 - Current
- Designed and implemented high school art curricula, applying diverse teaching methods to effectively engage students and elevate educational outcomes.
- Developed and delivered AP Art and Design curriculum aligned with college-level standards, increasing student portfolio quality and AP exam performance.
- Redesigned high school visual arts curriculum across four campuses, resulting in more cohesive and effective instruction.
- Integrated Illinois Arts Learning Standards into classroom practice, ensuring compliance and improving student artistic development.
- Collaborated with local cultural institutions to enhance art instruction and support diverse student populations, including ESL/ELL students, through targeted arts integration.
Professor of Graphic Design
Industrial Design Polytechnical Institute of Havana, Cuba
01.1991 - 01.1993
- Developed and delivered graphic design curriculum, incorporating innovative teaching methods to engage high school and undergraduate students in core art and design principles.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive art and graphic design curricula tailored to diverse learning needs, resulting in improved student engagement and performance.
- Utilized a range of teaching methods, including project-based learning and hands-on activities, to foster creativity and critical thinking in students.
- Mentored and evaluated students' artistic growth, providing constructive feedback to support skill development.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate interdisciplinary approaches into the art curriculum.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
North Park University
01-2020
Bachelor of Arts - Visual Communication
Instituto Superior de Diseño Industrial, Havana, Cuba
01-2014
Professional Photographer - undefined
New York Institute of Photography
01-2006
Fine Arts & Graphic Design Studies - undefined
Moscow State University of Printing Arts, Soviet Union
01-1991
Skills
- Visual arts instruction
- Art and design curriculum development
- Curriculum evaluation and improvement
- Execution of arts curriculum standards
- Strategic partnership development
- Arts-based ESL/ELL assistance
- Art portfolio assessment
- Visual communication design
- Commercial photography
- Visual arts expertise
Certification
- Professional Educator License, Art Endorsement | Illinois State Board of Education | 2020
- Spanish Language Endorsement | Illinois State Board of Education | 2025
- Professional Photographer | New York Institute of Photography | 2006
Languages
Spanish (native)
English (Professional)
Honors and Awards
RE:CONNECT An educator’s exhibition,Feb-Mar 2026, C33 Gallery, organized by Chicago Public Schools and Columbia College Chicago: School of Visual Arts., Published Artist – ARTEPOLI Art Magazine,Barcelona, Spain, (Artepoli.com/Ulises-rivero/) March 2025, Chicago Public Schools Selection/Jury Committee Member Art on the Mart Public Exhibition 2023 – 2024, Organizing Committee Member RE:VER:BER:ATE Arts Festival, Chicago 2022 – 2024, Member of the International Brush Society. France, 2023, Group Exhibition “Buenos Aires Open Art 2022” organized by Soler en el Arte Gallery, Argentina, 2022, Group exhibition “Pasos por Norte América” organized by ICalma Internacional, Barracas Argentina. 2021, Group exhibition “El bodegón vino a Argentina” ICalma internacional, Barracas, Argentina. 2019, Finalist Teacher of the year of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, 2017, Group exhibition “Mai Miturich and apprentices” Moscow, Russia, 2015, National Geographic Photography Recognition – Photo of the Day April 6th (2013), Published on Natgeo.com, 10 best photos of October 2012
Timeline
Lecturer of Methods and Materials of Visual Arts Teaching
North Park University, School of Education
09.2025 - Current
AP Art and Design Reader
College Board
06.2020 - Current
Art teacher, Department Lead & AP Art and Design Teacher
Aspira of Illinois
01.2014 - Current
Professor of Graphic Design
Industrial Design Polytechnical Institute of Havana, Cuba
01.1991 - 01.1993
Bachelor of Arts - Visual Communication
Instituto Superior de Diseño Industrial, Havana, Cuba
Professional Photographer - undefined
New York Institute of Photography
Fine Arts & Graphic Design Studies - undefined
Moscow State University of Printing Arts, Soviet Union
Master of Arts - Teaching
North Park University