Teaching Pedagogy: The Architecture of Awareness
As an art educator, my goal is to empower both teachers and students to awaken to their innate creativity and brilliance. Following the philosophy of John Dewey, I view artmaking as an authentic expression of individuality available to everyone—a vital way to express personal meaning and recognize our deep connection to the world.
My pedagogy is rooted in the "Architecture of Awareness." I teach creativity as a foundational way of knowing, thinking, and communicating. By integrating the creative process into learning, students develop higher-order thinking skills—analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—that enhance academic success and deepen their understanding of the world.
Beyond academics, I approach creativity as a practice of emotional regulation and resilience. In my teaching, I introduce artmaking as a tool for the autonomic nervous system—a way to move from stress to a state of calm, focused presence. By becoming witnesses to their own creative process, students and teachers alike build the confidence to navigate challenges with courage and integrity. IIn my classroom, creativity is not just an elective; it is an essential pathway to learning, well-being, and the tenacious persistence of growth.
Triada Samaras 2026
Education & Credentials
As an art educator, my goal is to empower both teachers and students to awaken to their innate creativity and brilliance. Following the philosophy of John Dewey, I view artmaking as an authentic expression of individuality available to everyone—a vital way to express personal meaning and recognize our deep connection to the world.
My pedagogy is rooted in the "Architecture of Awareness." I teach creativity as a foundational way of knowing, thinking, and communicating. By integrating the creative process into learning, students develop higher-order thinking skills—analysis, synthesis, and evaluation—that enhance academic success and deepen their understanding of the world.
Beyond academics, I approach creativity as a practice of emotional regulation and resilience. In my teaching, I introduce artmaking as a tool for the autonomic nervous system—a way to move from stress to a state of calm, focused presence. By becoming witnesses to their own creative process, students and teachers alike build the confidence to navigate challenges with courage and integrity. IIn my classroom, creativity is not just an elective; it is an essential pathway to learning, well-being, and the tenacious persistence of growth.
Triada Samaras 2026
Education & Credentials
- M.F.A. in Interdisciplinary Art 2012 Goddard College
- M.A. in Art and Art Education 2006 Teachers College/Columbia University
- Diploma and Fifth Year Award 1982-1985 School of the Museum of Fine Arts
- B.A. in Studio Art 1980 Smith College
Professional Educator Bio
Building on a rigorous foundation from Columbia University and Goddard College, Triada Samaras has spent over 30 years as a master educator and scholar specializing in creativity and arts integration. Based in New York City and Standish, Maine, she focuses on professional development for K–12 educators, empowering them to utilize creativity, mindfulness, and technology as primary tools for the modern classroom.
A long-standing authority in higher education, Triada served as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University (2006–2025) and William Paterson University (2009–2024). Her university-level instruction has spanned Drawing, Painting, 2D Design, and Visual Thinking, as well as Arts Integration for the William Paterson STEAM Master’s program. Throughout her tenure, she also served as a Professor-in-Residence and led STEAM after-school programs in the Paterson Public School District for a decade.
As a Master-Level Teaching Artist with Young Audiences NJ/Eastern PA, Triada offers specialized workshops designed to support teacher resilience and student engagement. Her work is currently expanding to include deeper somatic and wellness practices; she is completing certifications in Mindful Art and Yoga, further integrating meditation, movement, and expressive art-making into her pedagogy to support emotional regulation for both teachers and students.
Triada is a widely published researcher whose work explores the intersection of nature and technology. This includes the co-authored article, "Biomimicry and Human Design: Observing Bird Structures and Functions to Create Flying Machines with Artificial Intelligence" (Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching, Dec. 2024). She is a frequent presenter at New Jersey state conferences on the role of AI, play, and the architecture of awareness in lifelong learning
For more information:
Professor Samaras
STEAM EmPOWERment
Inclusive Arts Integration
Learning Arts at Home
CV Below
Building on a rigorous foundation from Columbia University and Goddard College, Triada Samaras has spent over 30 years as a master educator and scholar specializing in creativity and arts integration. Based in New York City and Standish, Maine, she focuses on professional development for K–12 educators, empowering them to utilize creativity, mindfulness, and technology as primary tools for the modern classroom.
A long-standing authority in higher education, Triada served as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University (2006–2025) and William Paterson University (2009–2024). Her university-level instruction has spanned Drawing, Painting, 2D Design, and Visual Thinking, as well as Arts Integration for the William Paterson STEAM Master’s program. Throughout her tenure, she also served as a Professor-in-Residence and led STEAM after-school programs in the Paterson Public School District for a decade.
As a Master-Level Teaching Artist with Young Audiences NJ/Eastern PA, Triada offers specialized workshops designed to support teacher resilience and student engagement. Her work is currently expanding to include deeper somatic and wellness practices; she is completing certifications in Mindful Art and Yoga, further integrating meditation, movement, and expressive art-making into her pedagogy to support emotional regulation for both teachers and students.
Triada is a widely published researcher whose work explores the intersection of nature and technology. This includes the co-authored article, "Biomimicry and Human Design: Observing Bird Structures and Functions to Create Flying Machines with Artificial Intelligence" (Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching, Dec. 2024). She is a frequent presenter at New Jersey state conferences on the role of AI, play, and the architecture of awareness in lifelong learning
For more information:
Professor Samaras
STEAM EmPOWERment
Inclusive Arts Integration
Learning Arts at Home
CV Below
Triada Samaras Artist and Art Educator Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts Live/Work: Brooklyn, New York / Standish, Maine Email: [email protected] Cell: 917-558-6157
Education
- Mindful Art & Meditation Teacher Training (Certification in Progress)
Mindful Creative Muse (Cynthia Hauk) — Online, 2025
Training in mindfulness, meditation, and creative facilitation for emotional balance and community well-being. - 2012: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interdisciplinary Art, Goddard College, Plainfield, VT Thesis: At Home in Activist Art: Transgressing Political & Geographical Boundaries
- 2006: Master of Art in Art and Art Education, Teachers College/Columbia University, New York, NY Thesis: Awesome Art as Adolescent Educator
- 1985: Fifth Year Certificate and Award, Museum School of Fine Arts, Boston, MA Medici Society Traveling Fellowship Award with Boston Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition
- 1984: Diploma in Studio Art, Museum School of Fine Arts, Boston, MA Dana Pond Award in Painting
- 1980: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Studio Art, Smith College, Northampton, MA
- 2025: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. Adjunct Professor: Education Department: Arts Integration for STEAM Program (Graduate Level, In-Service Teacher)
- 2006-2024: Kean University, Union, New Jersey. Adjunct Professor: Fine Arts Department: Drawing 1, Drawing 2, Painting 1, Color Theory, 2-D Design, Visual Thinking (Undergraduate Level, BFA and BA Art Majors
- 2009-2023: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. Adjunct Professor: Education Department: Methods for Art Teachers: K-12 and K-6, Art and Literacy, Creativity and Play, Supervision: Art Teachers in Field (Undergraduate and Graduate Level, Pre-and In-Service Teachers)
- 2013-2023 William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. STEAM/Arts Integration Art Professor in Residence: Paterson New Jersey Public Schools K-12 and After School Program, Numerous Schools (K-12 Teachers, All Content Areas)
- 2002-Present: Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania Princeton, New Jersey. Master Level Teaching Artist and Professional Developer: Numerous Presentations, Workshops, Residencies, New Jersey Public School Districts e.g. Trenton, Newark, and Camden (Pre-K-12 New Jersey Public School Teachers, Students (All content Areas), Administrators, Staff, Families and more. Current Workshops include: Observational Drawing and Arts Integration, Drawing in the Classroom, Wood Scrap Art for Learning, AI Image Tools for Classrooms, Art for Emotional Balance
- 2026 Presenter: Monroe Township Board of Education, Williamstown, New Jersey, K-12 Art Teachers "The Healing Powers of Symbols and Imagery"
- 2026 Presenter: Trenton Board of Education, Trenton, New Jersey, Elementary Art Teachers "Wood Scrap Sculpture for Learning"
- 2025 Presenter: Trenton Board of Education, Trenton, New Jersey, Elementary Art Teachers "Wood Scrap Sculpture for Learning"
- 2025 Presenter: Hamilton Township School District, Hamilton, New Jersey, Art Teachers Grades K-5 "Wood Scrap Sculpture for Learning" and Art Teachers Grades 6-12 "AI in the Art Classroom"
- 2025 Presenter: Trenton Board of Education, Trenton, New Jersey, District-wide Professional Learning Day. "Art for Emotional Balance"
- 2025 Presenter: New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association/NJPSA, Monroe Township, New Jersey. Guided Creative Play and Arts Integration. "Wood Scrap Sculpture/Integration."
- 2024 Presenter and Moderator: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. Educational Technology Conference: Leveraging Technology to Foster Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. "Using Artificial Intelligence/AI Image Generators to Promote DEIA in the Classroom."
- 2024 Presenter: New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association/NJPSA, Princeton, New Jersey. Arts Integration Leadership Institute. "AI Image Generators in the Classroom."
- 2023 Presenter: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. Educational Technology Conference: ISTE's Role in Reimagining Teaching, Learning and Leadership for K12 Schools. "Usage of Artificial Intelligence/AI Generators to Foster Creativity across the Subjects."
- 2014-2023 Annual Presenter: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. Summer STEA/Arts Integration Institute. "Integrating STEAM/Arts Integration in the Classroom. Variety of Topics."
- 2020 Presenter: William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. Educational Technology Conference: Embracing Emerging Trends: Teaching Effective On-Line Teaching Strategies and Tools for P-12 Education. "Teaching Arts Online with Digital Tools: Using Padlet and Screencastify to Create an Online Interactive Bulletin Board."
Publications and Presentations:
An, H., Samaras, T., Sung, W. (2025). Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching, "Biomimicry and Human Design: Creating a Flying Machine Using Observations of Birds’ Structure and Functions and Design Thinking Scaffolded by an Artificial Intelligence Image Generator" View of Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Technology-Integrated Lessons and Teaching
An, H., Mohamad, G., Moreno, K., Samaras, T., Lanni, M., & Rajab, N. (2023). Book talk on Digital learning in high-needs schools: A critical approach to technology access and equity in PreK-12. Palestinian American Community Center, September 16, 2023.
An, H., Samaras, T., Lanni, M., & Rajab, N. (2023). Designing a culturally responsive multilingual arts-integration program: read-aloud and book-inspired art-making videos. In H. An & D. Fuentes (Eds.), Digital learning in high-needs schools: A critical approach to technology access and equity in PreK-12, Routledge.
An, H., Samaras, T., & Lanni, M. (2021). Designing a multilingual culturally responsive video-based arts integration and digital storytelling tool for high-needs New Jersey schools. Build & Broaden: Long-Term Impacts of Covid-19 on Latino Communities in the Tri-State Area. Montclair State University, August 15-17, 2021
https://www.montclair.edu/provost/build-broaden-conference-long-term-impacts-of-covid-19-on-latino-communities-in-the-tri-state-area/
Grimes, N., Samaras, T., Denda, K., & Sandler, S. (2021). Using the Smithsonian Learning Lab: A collaborative team-centered approach with PDS schools in the Paterson Public Schools to teach lessons around equity & diversity, The Annual New Jersey Professional Development Schools Conference, William Paterson University, May 26, 2021.
An, H., Yoon, S. Y., & Samaras, T. (2020). Overcoming the digital divide: The development of a culturally responsive video-based arts integration tool for high-needs New Jersey urban schools. Proceedings of the Fall 2020 Semiannual Conference of Korean Society for Educational Technology (pp. 136-145). South Korea, October 31, 2020.
An, H., Norris-Bauer, N., Samaras, T., & Sandler, S. (2020). Arts integration to foster creative thinking and diversity, National Association for Professional Development Schools Conference, February 13-15, 2020, Atlantic City.
An, H., Sandler, S., & Samaras, T. (2019). Use of music integration across the curriculum to cultivate creative thinking, The Annual New Jersey Professional Development Schools Conference, May 23, 2019, William Paterson University.
An, H., Norris-Bauer, N., Samaras, T., & Sandler, S. (2019). Supporting high needs schools to integrate arts across the curriculum: benefits and challenges, National Association for Professional Development Schools Conference, Atlanta, GA, February 14-16, 2019.
An. H., Samaras, T., & Sandler, S. (2018). Supporting the development of critical thinking through integration of the arts across the curriculum in high-needs schools. The Annual New Jersey Professional Development Schools Conference, William Paterson University, May 24, 2018.
An, H., Samaras, T., Post, J., Sandler, S., Scacchetti, D., & Norris-Bauer, N. (2018). Effective arts integration approaches in high needs school districts. Explorations, William Paterson University, April 12, 2018.
Arts Integration Resource Development
- Collaborator/Curriculum Developer: Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access Grant for Geraldine R. Dodge funded arts integration schools in Paterson Public Schools, NJ 2020/2021 culminating in presentations and arts integration resources for the Smithsonian Learning Lab
- Contributor: Inclusive Arts Integration Website
- Author and Contributor: SteamEmPOWERment Blogsite
- Co-Author and Contributor: Learning Art at Home Website
Learning Arts at Home (LAH) was created during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020) to provide digital storytelling pertaining to art education and art making to serve children and their families in the Paterson, NJ Public Schools. The digital storytelling and art making videos are available in English, Spanish, and Bengali
- College Art Association
- NAEA National Art Education Association
- UCAE University Council for Art Education
- Freelancers Union
- Art Educators of New Jersey