My name is Michael Cruze, and I am the ART educator at Yates Mill! NOW, I am the last member of the original staff that had the privilege of opening Yates Mill Elementary School way back in 2000. I started my Art Education journey at Johnston Community College as I earned an associate degree in Graphic Design. I continued my education at Barton College to complete my BS degree in Art Education. After 24 years in the classroom, I still love making connections with our students by getting to know them as a person and a young artist. Can you believe it? This will be my 25th year teaching Art and here at Y.M.E.S! I love teaching art and spending my days with our students. I love to see our kids’ eyes light up when they impress themselves with their creativity!

When I am away from YMES, I love hanging with my family. We enjoy playing games, being crafty, taking walks and doing things outside in the sunshine! Sports are a regular part of our lives, and you can find us cheering for Hurricanes hockey and the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But don’t bring up college sports… we are a house divided!

mcruze@wcpss.net
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