At The School of Arts and Enterprise (The SAE), our tuition-free charter school is known for our warm and caring 6-12th grade learning environment. To get to know more about the people behind our school culture, we recently chatted with Tom Culver, 10th Grade World History Teacher and ASB Coordinator. Here’s what he had to say!
What inspired you to become an artist?
I was drawn to photography while in high school. My Norwegian grandfather was a professional photographer and I always loved his work. I also had a great high school photography teacher that helped keep me engaged and pushed me to study photography at the university level. Today, I am a ceramicist. Before I became a teacher I worked at a couple of pottery studios in LA working on commission. Now, I make ceramics at home in my studio.
Who was your favorite teacher?
My high school photography teacher, Mrs. Price. She not only introduced me to an art form that I still love today, but truly believed in me. For me that was the most important part. I think she was the first adult, outside of family, that showed a true interest in my life. She is the reason I became a teacher.
What advice would you give a student considering The SAE?
Do it! The Project Based Learning (PBL) curriculum for the academics at this school is unique and ensures that all learning styles are able to excel. The staff here care so much about their students making it truly a great place to be. Not to mention the world class arts programs that we offer!
What do you love most about teaching?
I love the connections I make with my students. Having the ability to motivate and engage with the future generations is an honor and a privilege and is what keeps me going. It’s hard to pick a favorite memory or story, but I love getting to know my students in their sophomore year and watch them grow into young promising adults. By their senior year it’s always so fulfilling for me to hear about their hopes, dreams, and ambitions for the future. It’s truly inspiring to witness.
Talented, caring faculty serve our 6th-12th grade students with top-notch arts education in a tuition-free charter school environment. Ready to find your artistic home? Contact The School of Arts and Enterprise and enroll today.
About The SAE
The School of Arts and Enterprise (The SAE) is an audition-free and tuition-free arts charter school serving grades 6-12. Our campuses are located in the Pomona, CA Arts Colony, surrounded by a thriving professional arts community. We offer nationally-recognized, award-winning arts education and creative entrepreneurship for young artists through project-based learning and flexible block scheduling. Students are supported by a close-knit community that values creative expression and celebrates differences. Join The SAE today! Enrolling now.
