Teacher Development Program

The SDP Teacher Development Program (TDP) for Excellence in Teaching was established to provide an educational program for SDP members that offer the opportunity to improve the standard of teaching decorative painting. The program will improve the skills of experienced teachers and help painters who want to become teachers. Please download the TDP brochure for more information.

What is TDA

A Teacher of Decorative Art (TDA) is a dedicated teacher of decorative painting who has furthered their professional career by undertaking a systematic study of teaching principles and methodology through the SDP Teacher Development Program. The TDA designation is awarded to those individuals who have successfully completed a three part training, experience and evaluation process. The successful completion of this program is an indication that the teacher has knowledge of teaching techniques and principles, has had teaching experience and has demonstrated an ability to apply these principles and practices in a classroom setting.

What are the benefits

Applicants will receive an outstanding reference manual developed through the collaborative effort of internationally esteemed teachers, painters and business members of the decorative painting industry.

Study topics include:

Learning Theory - Identifying Student Needs - Managing Student Behavior - Teaching Children - Classroom Preparation - Business Management - Copyright and Ethics

Those who successfully complete the program are

Certified as a Teacher of Decorative Art by the Society of Decorative Painters. (TDA)

All TDA’s receive:

A distinctive enameled pin with a gold tone brush charm. Additional brush charms can be earned by attending continuing education workshops or mentoring.
A personalized diploma, signed by the current SDP President
The privilege of using the initials TDA (Teacher of Decorative Art) after your name on all pertinent printed materials and painting correspondence.
A TDA listing on the SDP website.
The opportunity to evaluate Teacher Development Program video submissions
The privilege to serve as mentor for aspiring TDA’s

Who can apply?

Applicant must be a current SDP member in good standing.
Applicant must be willing to adhere to the SDP Code of Ethics.
Applicant must fill out an application form.
Applicant must pay program fees.
Applicant will agree to serve as a Teacher Development Program evaluator upon successful completion of the program.

DOWNLOAD THE TDP BROCHURE HERE

Print the program application here

Please view our searchable directory for a list ofSDP members who have received their
Teacher of Decorative Art Certification:

Announcing SDP’s newest Teacher's of Decorative Art...

Christine Weyer, TDA

My name is Christine Weyer, and I live in Coram on Long Island, New York. I have been married for 25 years and have three beautiful children and an adorable Shih Tzu.

I think my love of Art started when I got my first set of paints in kindergarten. My first “big break” came from winning a school-wide art contest in third grade, and I was hooked from then on! My mother was a decorative artist before they even used the term. She painted on everything in oil and gold leaf and would toil for weeks and sometimes months on her projects. Having her paintings surround me was an inspiration that still motivates me today.

While my children were young, my paint box collected a bit of dust, but as they grew older I picked up my brushes again and started to share that love and enthusiasm of painting with others. This eventually led to a whole new career in teaching, which I’ve enjoyed ever since.

I’m currently secretary and board member of the Harbour Lights Painters SDP chapter, and a member of East End Painters and Decorative Artists of Long Island. I’m also an ELITE Onestroke Certified Instructor and have had some of my work published in the Stroking Edge.

Receiving my TDA was such a gratifying experience and I learned a lot! The fulfillment of that goal can only be described as one of the most rewarding moments of my life. I am truly grateful to SDP for providing such an enriching program, and it has inspired me to set even higher painting goals for myself. I am blessed to be able to do what I love, and share it with my students.

Contact Christine at:

christinesstudio@gmail.com www.christinesstudio.com

Pat Hitchcox, TDA

I am Pat Hitchcox, I was born and raised in Quincy Mass, by the scenic ocean. In a large loving family, with five sisters and two brothers and great neighborhood with lots of cousins.

I have been married for 34 years; we have three handsome sons, and two wonderful grandchildren. We currently split our time in North East Pa., and Middle Tenn.

My husband’s career has sent us to many places, where I have continued to grow with all kinds of art.

I am blessed to belong to Pocono Painters Chapter in North East, Pa. We have two of the best teachers I have ever experienced; Rocky Puchalski MDA and Kathy Whiton, CDA. I am doubly blessed with second Chapter, in Middle Tennessee Decorative Artist in Nashville, Tenn. I have attended two SDP Conferences.

I loved art as a young child. I have used pastels, watercolor, oil, sculpturing , pottery, photography and ink. My favorite is fabric painting.

As a Helping Artist I have been able to travel teach and paint murals in several states. I have also taught at Chapter Seminars; Middle Tennessee Decorative Artist Retreat in Manchester, Tenn.; Mad Painting Convention, Split Rock, Pa.; New England Traditions Convention 2008. I also teach at a local arts and craft store; Community Education; Senior Centers; Girl Scouts; after school programs; church groups and Red Hat groups. Painting has always been my life’s passion. I love to teach; to have a beginner painter, fall in love with a life long new hobby. Encouraged by their success at a beginner level, they grow and will become teachers themselves. That is why I became a TDA, to be the best teacher I can be. I want to interest new painters, I want to encourage and challenge experienced painters, to keep them painting and growing. I have to grow as their teacher. The TDA program is definitely a great resource and teaching tool.

Pat Hitchcox, TDA

hitchcox@ptd.net

www.poconopainters.or

Sharron White, TDA

I first became interested in decorative painting in 1998 when a friend asked me to take a class with her which consisted of painting a landscape scene on a lap desk. I knew nothing about decorative painting but quickly became fascinated with the whole concept. My passion for decorative painting grew as I began studying with other wonderful teachers.

I heard about Priscilla Hauser and after completing her requirements became certified in Priscilla’s methods in 1999. In 2002, while thumbing through a Decorative Painter magazine, I saw an ad for Genesis paint, and thought it surely sounded like the best of two worlds – a medium that paints like oil paints and can be dried on demand. My husband, Richard, surprised me with the large artisan box of Genesis paint for Christmas that year much to my surprise. He has been my biggest supporter through the years and encourages me to continue learning and growing.

Carol Lee Cisco CDA, a well known Texas Artist, was teaching Genesis classes in her home and I became one of her students. She introduced me to the Ann Kingslan MDA, TDA method of painting and after completing several days with Mary Gibilisco CDA and Ann Kingslan MDA, TDA at their studio in Omaha, Nebraska, I became certified in the Kingslan method. I currently teach at my home studio in Garland, Texas.

I am active in the Yellow Rose Chapter in Dallas, Texas, currently serving as secretary, and am a member of the Bluebonnet chapter in Fort Worth, Texas. Studying and completing the requirements to become a TDA has been a wonderful learning experience which has enabled me to be a better teacher for my students and has given me the confidence to expand my horizons by teaching and painting in other venues.

Art is a very important part of my life and I derive much happiness through the art itself, and through the wonderful people I have met