Educator
Empowering Lives Through Art & Design
22+
years of teaching & classroom experience
both secondary and college.
I never imagined being a teacher or professor. Yet, I feel like it is one of the greatest callings in the world. My role is to give young artists a pathway to making their dreams come true. Since 2020 I have been teaching at Ringling College of Art and Design. In addition, I'm currently at Booker High School's extraordinary VPA Art program.
I see myself as a professional artist first. This gives me credibility to my students and builds a relationship of trust. Trust is the most important aspect of teaching because we educators see potential in our students that they often don't see themselves. An educator's role is to help their students unlock their capabilities. The success of my students has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career.
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2023 Barbara Turner Grace Visual Arts Instructor Teaching Award
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2008 Bright House Cable National Star Teacher Award
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2007 Bright House Cable National Star Teacher Award
Ferrell received the 2023 Barbara Turner-Grace Visual Arts Instructor Award
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Created and pioneered Commercial Art programs in Manatee County School District
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Led five National Champion design teams for the Technology Student Association, competing against more than 1,500 high schools nationwide
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Has helped students earn millions in scholarships.
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Has taught for 22+ years secondary and college.
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Rated Highly Effective since 2010.
Currently, I'm teaching with Steve Strenk at Booker High School's award winning Booker VPA art program. Ferrell also teaches at Ringling College of Art and Design.
Teaching Philosophy
First and foremost, teaching begins with trust. Every meaningful relationship in education is built on it. You cannot expect students to take chances, accept challenges, or give you their best if they do not trust you. Trust is not given automatically. It is earned through honesty, consistency, respect, and by showing students that you genuinely care about their success.
Second, I strive every day to be the teacher I always wanted to have. That means knowing my subject, being passionate about what I teach, and continuing to improve my own skills. Students know when a teacher is excited about what they do, and that enthusiasm can be contagious. I want my classroom to be creative, challenging, energetic, and never boring.
Finally, everyone needs a sense of purpose. I want students to feel that their ideas matter and that the work they create has meaning. Art may not become every student’s career, but the skills they develop—discipline, communication, problem-solving, perseverance, and critical thinking—can help them succeed in any path they choose. My job is to understand each student’s needs and connect what I teach to the future they want to build.
Student Achievement
National championships, scholarships, awards, and placements.