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Erielle Amboy ‘ 20 Contributor
Mr . Di Rado is the art director for Abington Public Schools . He also teaches art and critical thinking and design at the Frolio Middle School . He has been teaching in Abington for 20 years , and has been a teacher for 24 . He also taught two years in Boston and two years in New York . Before he was a teacher he supported himself as an artist by working in restaurants , in construction , as a trucker , and as an art assistant for Al Held , a famous artist .
Before that , Mr . Di Rado majored in fine arts and painting at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and the Pratt Institute in New York City . He decided to become an art teacher so he could work with students and share his love for art .
For the first two months , he did not like teaching , did not think he was very good at it and almost quit . But , his supervisor convinced him to stay , and he is grateful that he did . “ It was the best advice I was ever given , because I learned that I really love teaching and working with students ,” said Mr . Di Rado . He enjoys working with students who are
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excited about lessons , and especially likes helping students work through difficult problems . “ Every day is different . I like working with a variety of students with unique personalities , especially if they work hard , and have grit and tenacity ,” said Mr . Di Rado .
At the high school level , Abington offers classes that help prepare students interested in attending art colleges , especially that help them develop strong portfolios , which he states is “ a very important part of the application process .” Classes like drawing and painting , sculpture , digital art and photography , graphic and digital design , animation and studio art are offered . They help students focus on the areas where their interests and talents lie . Students may also join or contribute work to the Student Art Magazine ( SAM ). SAM accepts both artistic and written creations . It is an after school , co-curricular club and art teacher Mrs . Poirier is the adviser .
Mr . Di Rado is very excited for the new technologies and proximity that the new combined middle and high school will offer . He sees greater opportunity for the teachers from
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both schools to collaborate .
Outside of school , Mr . Di Rado is a creative person who is always working on something . He paints landscapes , holds occasional art shows and sells a “ painting or two ” every once in a while . He loves spending time with his “ college-aged kids ,” and loves to travel , especially to Italy . His favorite artist is Leonardo Da Vinci because he is an inventor , engineer and artist .
Mr . Di Rado also plays the guitar . After taking many years off , he started playing again when his son became interested in guitar . He says he likes music and art equally because they are both hands on activities . He is in a band called the Assisted Living Band , and also the “ world famous Frolio teacher band .” It is appropriately named Staff Infection , and also features Mr . Blanchette , Mr . Campbell , Mr . DiPrizio and Mr . Regalbuto .
If you want to pursue a career in art , Mr . Di Rado suggests you “ develop a strong portfolio , try to take as many art classes as you can , listen to teachers , and research art schools to see which one is the best fit for you .”
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Mr . Di Rado ( Erielle Amboy photo )
“ Every day is different . I like working with a variety of students with unique personalities , especially if they work hard , and have grit
and tenacity .”
Mr . Di Rado
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