Mrs. Lapp | portfolio

Mrs. Klara Lapp

Let me introduce myself, I am Klara Lapp, a certified art teacher in the state of Colorado, endorsed in both art K-12 as well as classroom elementary education. Being interested in the aesthetics and the theory / mechanics of the natural world, I earned both art (printmaking and drawing) and Biology BS degrees from Colorado State University. In December of 2017, I successfully completed (4.0 GPA) an Educator Effectiveness MAsters in Education at Western State Colorado University.

The 2024/2025 school year will be my 23rd year teaching art at Colorado public schools. For five years, I worked as an art teacher at Hotchkiss High School. My first year, I taught K-12 art at a public school near Crestone, CO. Now I teach art across two buildings: TES (PreK, KG,1,2nd grade) and TIS (3rd).. This is my 17th year at Telluride School District, and I feel so lucky to be a part of such a creative community.

Other interesting bits about me: I am originally from Prague, Czech Republic, so English is my second language. This helps me empathize with ML and dual immersion learners. My elementary school is currently in its sixth year as an English/Spanish dual immersion school. I attended public schools in Hawaii and Vermont, and am the oldest of six kids. I ski, snowboard, paint, and I wish I could draw like a child again! My family lives in Rico, CO. The six of us include: my husband, my daughter, two rescue dogs and a frisky adopted cat named Punky Brewster.

To learn more about me check out my teaching philosophy, masters in ed information, resume, and contact links (in the main menu above, or black buttons to the right).

Testimonials

“Ms. Klara Lapp exhibited a keen ability to think like a leader in my course. She frequently went beyond showing her understanding of curriculum design and evaluation to consider ways of creatively engaging her colleagues in discussions of the material.”

Dr. Ian Renga

EDUC 681 Professor

Western State CO University

The best special is art. One reason is there are art parties where we build with clay. Mrs. Lapp is super nice, for example whenever someone gets in trouble but then is good she gives us a second chance. She is fair when she gives us paint. She helps us because she reminds us what to do and helps with art. Last, I learn a lot in art. We learned about the famous artists such as Van Gogh . The best special is art!

Reading about what you feel are your strengths and weaknesses, I was impressed at how good you are at critically thinking about your teaching. It’s clear that your students are lucky to have you as their teacher, and more than the actual strengths or weaknesses, your ability to self-reflect is going to be extremely valuable as you continue to grow and improve as an educator.

Danny

ELL Student

Age 7

"I like art because I practice my art. For example, we paint and draw. I can do pictures like a flower, man, or woman and it is really fun. Mrs. Lapp is nice. When we studied Dia de Los Muertos a girl was sad and Mrs. Lapp let her stay in the hall with a friend until she felt better. She helps you with art. She doesn't yell at us. Art is the best special."

Kevin

ELL Student

Age 8

"You connect what you are doing in class with students’ lives or past experience. That is an excellent way to get buy in from the students, and hopefully deeper engagement as well. Having your young students learn by experimenting is a really powerful way to teach and usually leads to real learning."

Jeffrey Hulbert

EDUC 620 Professor

Western State CO University

"I thought that writing about art would be boring. Mrs. Lapp taught us how to figure out what the artist says . It is fun to make up stories about art and share them with my friends. Mrs. Lapp is my favorite teacher."

Ava

Art Student

Age 9