My name is Michael Cruze, and I am the ART educator at Yates Mill! This will be my 26th year teaching art at YMES, as I am the last member of the original staff that had the privilege of opening the school way back in 2000. I started my Art Education journey at Johnston Community College where I earned an associate degree in Graphic Design. I continued my education at Barton College to complete my BS degree in Art Education. After 25 years in the classroom, I still love making connections with our students by getting to know them as a person and a young artist.  Their excitement and imagination makes me feel like a kid again. I love to see our kids’ eyes light up when they impress themselves with their creativity!

When I am away from YMES, I love spending time with my family. We enjoy playing games, cooking (and eating!), being crafty, and doing things outside in the sunshine. You can find us cheering for Hurricanes hockey and the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But don’t bring up college sports… the entire family is divided!

mcruze@wcpss.net
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