Inspired by the Elementary students she teaches, Ellen Culler (yes, her real name) is a seasoned Visual Arts Instructor currently teaching in Ohio County Schools, Wheeling, WV. After receiving her bachelor's degree in art education, she later earned her master's degree from WVU. After college she spent many years in the elementary art room in Broward County Schools, FL. before moving back to WV with her husband. She has been with Ohio County Schools for over 30 years and taught as an adjunct with Wheeling University in the Teacher Prep Program for 13 years.
She has been a member of WVAEA for many years and has served as WV - YAM Co-Ordinator years ago and currently serves as a Regional Rep. She was awarded Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, and was numerous times named as a nominee for Ohio County Teacher of the Year. Ellen works with the community. She often collaborates with Oglebay Institute bringing their services into her classroom through grants she has written. In 2023 she created an after-school arts program for 4th and 5th grade students for both of her schools. This program included five local professionals within the arts and a film editor from LA. All funded from a state grant. One of her most memorable moments was being named the WV Art Educator of the Year at the Elementary level by this Association.
She and her husband raised their one son George who lives in LA and heads up a creative team for Microsoft. Outside of school, Ellen can be found giving back to her community volunteering her time on several executive committees, cooking, traveling and enjoying her two dogs Kate and Myles!
She feels she still isn't finished "giving to kids" and inspiring them. She states, "that "ah-ha" moment never gets old!
Culler's Corner

WVAE members:
As a new feature to our website , "Culler's Corner" will be added. This section will include lesson plans written by members. The goal is two-fold; to have a source page for lessons that will benefit art teachers at all levels and to compile lessons throughout the year that members can access for years to come.
We would like for you to add to this folder by submitting your successful lessons. Also, we would find it beneficial and unique (not necessary however) to compile lessons that have a focus on West Virginia Culture or inclusion of West Virginia Artists. Think about some of your most successful lessons and consider submitting them.
Format:
I have included a template which I created when developing my lessons. For consistency purposes, we would like you to use this template for submissions. My template is detailed, and my lessons therefore take numerous art periods from introduction to discussing connections to production time and even offers reflection time (if you can get it in) for the wrap up. Don't let the template scare you. It serves as a great backbone to a complete lesson or even unit. It goes further than including objectives, activities and assessment. Your assessment strategies may need to be different than mind, just be clear with expectations and assessment.
As many of us do, when I am developing my lesson for the first time, I revise, rewrite and rework it with the 2nd or 3rd class. As much as I'd like to have my students give input for art projects, I find it only happening randomly, (control on my part) but I run with it when it happens. Often times lessons can be adapted up or down to fit our grade levels. Creating a lesson plan can be a daunting task. But a well written, effective plan will help keep you organized and feeling confident and will please your administration. Once you write a great plan it's done for years to follow.
There are so many great art lessons in your art chest. Please consider sharing some of yours with us.
Ellen