Buckley

  • Welcome! I’m Tanya Buckley, I am the visual arts teacher and VAPA department chair at Advanced Learning Academy High School, and I absolutely love what I do. Whether it’s drawing, painting, or diving into the world of graphic design, I get to help students tap into their creativity, build confidence, and bring their ideas to life through art.

    I earned my BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and later completed a Master’s in Education in Social Emotional Learning at National University. In my classes — Drawing & Painting I & II and Graphic Design I & II — I combine traditional techniques with digital tools to help students grow as artists and thinkers.

    Over the years, I’ve had the chance to lead the visual arts department at Advanced Learning Academy High School, teach adult watercolor classes at Irvine Community College, and even work as an Art Director in publishing and entertainment. Each experience has shaped how I teach — blending storytelling, hands-on skills, and a lot of encouragement.

    Outside the classroom, I’m a traveler, a lifelong learner, and a big believer in using art to build community. Through my nonprofit, Art-By-The-Yard, I’ve worked with underserved youth to teach art, financial literacy, and life skills — and that work has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.

    Thanks for stopping by! Whether you’re a student, parent, fellow educator, or curious visitor, I hope this space gives you a glimpse into the creative world we’re building in my classroom. Art has the power to connect, inspire, and transform — and I’m excited to keep exploring that with my students every day.

    Down the left side of the page you can learn more about me, the classes I teach, and check out past student work. 

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