designer & educator
Phone:281-912-5139
Stephanieshields010@gmail.com
stephanieshield.com
A Global Classroom
After earning my Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I began teaching at the Art Institute of
Houston. There, I had the privilege of working with a remarkably diverse student community representing North America, Europe,
Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Each student brought a distinct cultural perspective, personal story, and creative
voice to the classroom.
Teaching Through Connection
Teaching in such a multicultural environment strengthened my belief that meaningful education begins with personal connection
and clear communication. I consistently received some of the highest student evaluations among my colleagues, which reflected my
genuine commitment to each student’s development. Their accomplishments have always been a source of great pride, and helping
them discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop their creative identities remains one of the most rewarding aspects of
my career.
Curriculum as a Creative Experience
Design education and curriculum development are central to my teaching practice. I approach curriculum not simply as a sequence
of assignments, but as a carefully structured experience that connects creative exploration with practical knowledge and professional
preparation. This commitment led to an exhibition of my curriculum-design work at a prominent museum in South Korea, where I
presented new approaches to design education to an international audience.
Exhibitions and Professional Recognition
My work has also been exhibited at institutions associated with the University of Houston and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
In 2013, I won a competition to develop a redesign proposal for Chinatown in Plano, Texas. Competing as a design professor alongside
established architects made this recognition especially meaningful. The project demonstrated how graphic design, environmental
communication, and cultural identity could work together to strengthen a public space, and it was featured on a Dallas local news
broadcast that evening.
Design as a Force for Connection
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to connecting design, education, and cultural understanding. Whether I am teaching
in the classroom, developing a curriculum, or creating work for a public audience, my goal is to help people communicate more clearly,
recognize the value of diverse perspectives, and use design as a meaningful force for connection and positive change.
designer & educator
Phone:281-912-5139
Stephanieshields010@gmail.com
stephanieshield.com
A Global Classroom
After earning my Master of Fine Arts degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I began teaching at the Art Institute of
Houston. There, I had the privilege of working with a remarkably diverse student community representing North America, Europe,
Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Each student brought a distinct cultural perspective, personal story, and creative
voice to the classroom.
Teaching Through Connection
Teaching in such a multicultural environment strengthened my belief that meaningful education begins with personal connection
and clear communication. I consistently received some of the highest student evaluations among my colleagues, which reflected my
genuine commitment to each student’s development. Their accomplishments have always been a source of great pride, and helping
them discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop their creative identities remains one of the most rewarding aspects of
my career.
Curriculum as a Creative Experience
Design education and curriculum development are central to my teaching practice. I approach curriculum not simply as a sequence
of assignments, but as a carefully structured experience that connects creative exploration with practical knowledge and professional
preparation. This commitment led to an exhibition of my curriculum-design work at a prominent museum in South Korea, where I
presented new approaches to design education to an international audience.
Exhibitions and Professional Recognition
My work has also been exhibited at institutions associated with the University of Houston and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
In 2013, I won a competition to develop a redesign proposal for Chinatown in Plano, Texas. Competing as a design professor alongside
established architects made this recognition especially meaningful. The project demonstrated how graphic design, environmental
communication, and cultural identity could work together to strengthen a public space, and it was featured on a Dallas local news
broadcast that evening.
Design as a Force for Connection
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to connecting design, education, and cultural understanding. Whether I am teaching
in the classroom, developing a curriculum, or creating work for a public audience, my goal is to help people communicate more clearly,
recognize the value of diverse perspectives, and use design as a meaningful force for connection and positive change.