Michelle Foligno, George F. Baker High School’s new art teacher, brings a wide variety of experience to her new role, which she is eager to share with her students. With a Master of Arts in Art Education from Manhattanville University, a Bachelor of Arts in Textile Design/Fabric Styling from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and certifications in engineering and architectural design, Foligno'’s philosophy can be summed up in three words: “Learn, Earn, Return.” “I’ve spent years learning my craft and gaining professional experience in the art world, and now I’m excited to share that knowledge with my students,” she said.
Despite her many degrees, Michelle spent her early academic years as a reluctant student. “I never gave myself a real chance when I was in high school. I didn’t think I could do it, so I didn’t try.” Her genuine love for learning emerged as she began considering graduate school.
By sharing her journey, Michelle hopes to show her students that school is a place where anyone can find success—even if it takes time to find the right path. “I know how students feel when they don’t want to work. I tell them my story to inspire them.”
Michelle is thrilled to be teaching the new Freshman Foundations course this year, which integrates both art and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) principles, guiding students as they design creative concepts in art that will be brought to life in the GFB STEM Lab. She sees immense potential to grow the art and STEM programs at GFB, which she believes naturally complement one another. “There’s an element of art and design in STEM—they really go hand in hand. Creative thinking and problem-solving are at the core of both, blending imagination with technical skills to create, build and innovate.”