Marilyn Bambrough, 8th- and 9th-grade art teacher at Treasure Mountain Junior High, never wanted to teach. She started her career working as an architectural renderer, took a break long enough to raise an entire handful of children, and then went back to work with a part-time job in an elementary school. It was love.
Ms. Bambrough quickly earned a master’s in art education and is in her third year of teaching art full time. We sat down with her to talk about her background - and what she loves about working with our Park City School District students.
1) Where are you from?
I’m a native Utahn, and I spent many years in southern California. I now live in Morgan, Ut.
2) How did you start as a teacher? Give us some background. Did you always know? Was it a roundabout realization?
I began in graphic design and illustration, then stopped to raise a family. When my last daughter finished high school I completed a BFA in Drawing and Painting. I took a job as the Morgan Elementary Art Specialist. It was wonderful. Every child in the school came through my classroom. I realized then that teaching was extremely fulfilling and that I had a lot of life experience to bring to the classroom. With that, I entered a Master’s program in Art Education and completed last Dec. I have been teaching at TMJH for 3 years.
3) What/who inspired you to be a teacher?
I had many mentors. One of the greatest was Richard Bird, one of my 1st art professors. He was a remarkable and inspiring teacher. I have always wanted to make my students feel as loved and accepted as he made me feel. James Christensen, a well-known illustrator, was another. He was an inspiring and positive man. I was fortunate to have him as my advisor in college.
4) What values guide your work?
I am a believer that every child is a creative being. We are born with a need to create and a capacity for creative thought. The arts provide an opportunity for students to fill that need and develop their capacity for creative problem-solving.
5) How long have you been a teacher? How long in PCSD? What grades/classes have you taught?
I am in my 3rd year at PCSD, where I teach 8th- and 9th-grade art. I worked for 4 years at Morgan Elementary, where I taught K-5 art.
6) Why Park City?
This is an amazing school district. I love my colleagues at the school and the students. It has been a wonderful place to teach.
7) Difference teaching in Park City versus other districts? (If you’ve taught in other districts.)
One of the biggest differences is, of course, the Park City Education Foundation. The work they do to support the classroom is phenomenal. I have not seen its equal in any other district.
8) Best thing about teaching in Park City School District?
The Students. I love the age group I teach and my association with them. 8th and 9th graders are able to do so much more in the arts than younger grades. It is very gratifying to see their success and the pride they take in their work.
9) Best day or moment or part about teaching?
Most students come into class thinking they can’t draw. I love to prove them wrong. It is always a joy to see them accomplish something they didn’t think they could do.
10) What does PCEF mean to you?
The Ed Foundation has provided so many opportunities for my classroom. I am so grateful to them. For example, TMJH had never hosted an Art Show for the students until last year. The foundation provided a grant to purchase dividers to display their 1st ever show. It was a great opportunity for the students to curate their own show and display their work for parents!
They have been incredibly supportive - from providing equipment for the classroom to funding our visiting artist program. I am very grateful to them and thank them for their support and the work they do.
11) Kids/Family?
My husband, Bryan and I have four married daughters and one foster son. I have 10 grandchildren with two more on the way.
12) Hobbies/Passions?
Family is my 1st passion, then painting, printmaking, sailing, snow skiing and hiking.
13) Degrees and credentials/endorsements
I have a BFA in Drawing and Painting. I have an MA in Art Education. I have a K-12 Teaching credential and my ELL endorsement.
