|
|
My art class featured on the cover of Principal Magazine (2018)
ManageArtClass supports K–12 art educators with research-based, equity-centered classroom management systems designed for real art rooms. Rooted in classroom experience and educational research, this work helps teachers build structure without sacrificing creativity, care, or humanity—for students and for themselves.
Ruby M. Decker is an experienced art educator and district-level mentor teacher turned author, speaker, and leadership coach, dedicated to empowering educators with practical strategies and creative solutions.
ManageArtClass.com
[email protected]
Degrees
Master's of Arts in Art Education | University of Florida | 2023
3.96 GPA, Summa Cum Laude, Honors Society, Emphasis in Mentor Teaching
Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure | University of Richmond | 2015
3.88 GPA, Magna Cum Laude, Kappa Delta Pi (National Education Honor Society)
Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Visual Arts | Armstrong Atlantic State University | 2009
3.47 GPA, Cum Laude
Experience
Visual Arts Teacher | Chesapeake Public Schools - Chesapeake, VA | 2025 - Present
Great Bridge Primary School
Visual Arts Teacher | Virginia Beach City Public Schools - Virginia Beach, VA | 2021 - 2025
Great Neck Middle School
Brookwood Elementary School
Visual Arts Teacher | Prince George's County Public Schools - Laurel, MD | 2015 - 2020
Montpelier Elementary School
Pre-K Special Education Assistant | Chesterfield County Public Schools - Chesterfield, VA | 2015
Bensley Elementary School
Response-to-Intervention | Henrico County Public Schools - Henrico, VA | 2014
Glen Lea Elementary School
Summer School Teacher | Richmond City Public Schools - Richmond, VA | 2013
Henderson Middle School
Books and Grants Authored
Supporting Classroom Management for Art Teachers: Effective Strategies for K-12 | Textbook | August 2025
Crayola© Champion Creatively Alive Children Grant | International Grant | 2017
Featured on Local News Spotlight - WJLA 2018
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education Grant | Regional Grant | 2017
Leadership and Recognition
Mentor Teacher - District Level | Prince George’s County Public Schools
Mentor Teacher - Building Level | Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Staff Instructor (Visual Arts) - District Level | Prince George’s County Public Schools
Arts Integration Lead Teacher - Building Level | Montpelier Elementary School
National Art Education Association Convention Presenter | April 2023, March 2026
Virginia & Maryland Art Education Associations - Conference Presenter | 2019, 2021, 2025
NBCT Candidate - Component 1 Exam | 2022
Advisory Committee - Walters Art Museum | Baltimore, Maryland
Teacher of the Month - Montpelier Elementary School | 2015, 2016
‘I Make a Difference’ Nomination - Brookwood Elementary School | 2022
Professional Associations
National Art Education Association, Member, 10 years
Maryland Art Education Association, Member, 5 years
Virginia Art Education Association, Member, 5 years
Selected Works
Prince George’s Medical Center | Permanent Installation of Student Artwork, 2018
Fort Washington Medical Center | Permanent Installation of Student Artwork, 2017
Ruby M. Decker is an experienced art educator and district-level mentor teacher turned author, speaker, and leadership coach, dedicated to empowering educators with practical strategies and creative solutions.
ManageArtClass.com
[email protected]
Degrees
Master's of Arts in Art Education | University of Florida | 2023
3.96 GPA, Summa Cum Laude, Honors Society, Emphasis in Mentor Teaching
Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure | University of Richmond | 2015
3.88 GPA, Magna Cum Laude, Kappa Delta Pi (National Education Honor Society)
Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Visual Arts | Armstrong Atlantic State University | 2009
3.47 GPA, Cum Laude
Experience
Visual Arts Teacher | Chesapeake Public Schools - Chesapeake, VA | 2025 - Present
Great Bridge Primary School
Visual Arts Teacher | Virginia Beach City Public Schools - Virginia Beach, VA | 2021 - 2025
Great Neck Middle School
Brookwood Elementary School
Visual Arts Teacher | Prince George's County Public Schools - Laurel, MD | 2015 - 2020
Montpelier Elementary School
Pre-K Special Education Assistant | Chesterfield County Public Schools - Chesterfield, VA | 2015
Bensley Elementary School
Response-to-Intervention | Henrico County Public Schools - Henrico, VA | 2014
Glen Lea Elementary School
Summer School Teacher | Richmond City Public Schools - Richmond, VA | 2013
Henderson Middle School
Books and Grants Authored
Supporting Classroom Management for Art Teachers: Effective Strategies for K-12 | Textbook | August 2025
Crayola© Champion Creatively Alive Children Grant | International Grant | 2017
Featured on Local News Spotlight - WJLA 2018
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education Grant | Regional Grant | 2017
Leadership and Recognition
Mentor Teacher - District Level | Prince George’s County Public Schools
Mentor Teacher - Building Level | Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Staff Instructor (Visual Arts) - District Level | Prince George’s County Public Schools
Arts Integration Lead Teacher - Building Level | Montpelier Elementary School
National Art Education Association Convention Presenter | April 2023, March 2026
Virginia & Maryland Art Education Associations - Conference Presenter | 2019, 2021, 2025
NBCT Candidate - Component 1 Exam | 2022
Advisory Committee - Walters Art Museum | Baltimore, Maryland
Teacher of the Month - Montpelier Elementary School | 2015, 2016
‘I Make a Difference’ Nomination - Brookwood Elementary School | 2022
Professional Associations
National Art Education Association, Member, 10 years
Maryland Art Education Association, Member, 5 years
Virginia Art Education Association, Member, 5 years
Selected Works
Prince George’s Medical Center | Permanent Installation of Student Artwork, 2018
Fort Washington Medical Center | Permanent Installation of Student Artwork, 2017
Ruby M. Decker | 2026 | Contact: [email protected]
