Teacher Appreciation

Behind every creative is a teacher who told them that achieving their dreams is possible. CreativeMornings is a community of creatives that spans every sense of the word, all with stories to share of educators that impacted our lives forever. This event is a celebration of those who came before us, and those that inspire generations to come.

For this special Saturday edition of CreativeMornings, we will hear from three teachers employing creativity in the field of K-12 public education. After short talks, there will be a moderated panel and open Q+A.

Join us as we celebrate our teachers!

SPEAKER - Megan Hill grew up in Eastern North Carolina, and after obtaining her undergraduate degree in psychology from the College of Charleston, and her graduate degree in teaching from East Carolina University, she moved to Raleigh to begin her teaching career in 2003. She is the Play Integration Curriculum Specialist at Powell Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh.

Megan has 20 years of teaching experience in grades Kindergarten through eighth grade, recently moving to Powell from Underwood Elementary, where she most recently held the positions of reading intervention teacher and magnet coordinator. She has worked in magnet schools for the majority of her career and is passionate about arts integration and connections to nature. When she’s not at school, you are likely to find her on the greenway, a trail, or a paddleboard. She enjoys reading, music, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

Megan’s Play-losophy resides in the idea that learning should be fun. Through purposeful play integration, students are able to collaborate, get creative, and take risks in order to engage in critical thinking about content standards. Play not only leads to academic growth, but also helps students grow their social and emotional skills. So, get out there, play, learn, and have some fun!

SPEAKER - Born and raised in Newark, José Manuel Cruz, the son of Colombian and Puerto Rican parents, has become synonymous with his unique art style, which he aptly calls “ColoRican”. Through his masterful use of thick and thin line, vibrant colors, and an array of mediums, such as spray paint and enamel markers, Cruz breathes life into his creations, evoking a sense of energy and vitality.

A true artist who refuses to be confined to any style or medium, Cruz has continuously experimented with different textures, themes, and platforms throughout his illustrious career. As an art educator in New Jersey for 17 years and now in North Carolina for over 18 years, he remains dedicated to sharing his passion and knowledge with the community that has inspired him.

Cruz’s artistic mastery has garnered him international recognition. In 2016, his social justice piece, caught the attention of the esteemed Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, D.C., where if found a permanent home. Moreover, in 2019, Cruz showcased his retrospective exhibition at North Carolina Central University’s Art Museum, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Continuing his journey of artistic exploration, Cruz maintains an active exhibition schedule across the US and abroad.

SPEAKER - April Love is a Raleigh native and a 31-year veteran educator who was honored in 2019-2020 & 2023-2034 with the Connections Academy Teacher of The Year Award. Currently, April is the S.T.E.M. teacher & intervention & testing coordinator at Connections Academy (alternative) Middle School in Wake County. She is also the mentor coordinator for beginning teachers because she knows that Vibrancy is contiguous! Her passion for teaching and learning is the energy in the room and beginning teachers need SUPPORT, mentors, and who LOVE what they do!

April has taught kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th grade and GED classes. She has a master's degree in Adult Education and a certificate in Educational Administration. She understands the necessity of personal connection when teaching regardless of the audience. Her mantra is LOVE, LIVE, & TEACH!

She is an educational consultant who has written and implemented educational curriculums and workshops for non-profit community-based organizations, federal grants, and university partners to provide interactive educational experiences for children and their families.

Volunteering is an important part of citizenship, April volunteers at the NC Museum of Art, The Wake Boys & Girls Clubs, Interfaith Food Shuttle and serves on the Raleigh Parks & Recreation Greenways and Advisory Board.

She is married with one teenage son and a 130-pound Rottweiler named, Tanc!

MODERATOR - Dr. Terrance Ruth received his PhD in Public Affairs from the University of Central Florida. He received his Master in Education from Nova Southeastern University and his BA from Oglethorpe University. Dr. Ruth completed a national fellowship through Boston College with a certification in nonprofit leadership.

Dr. Ruth is an advocate for public education, once serving as a teacher, principal and the parent of a son who attends public schools in Wake County. As a former Administrator for Wake county Public Schools who now serves as an Education Consultant to numerous nonprofits. Dr. Ruth sits on several state wide boards.

Dr. Ruth led social justice organizations at the national, state and local levels with a reputation for being the implementation expert. He served as the NC NAACP Executive Director under Dr. Barber and Dr. Spearman and has served as National Director of Programming for the Repairers of the Breach. Recently he partnered with United Way of the Triangle to launch a community investment fund for local community organizers.

Dr. Ruth has worked in K-12 schools across Florida and in Wake County. Currently, Terrance is a Professor at NCSU and is the former President of the Justice Love Foundation. He is deeply engaged in diversity, equity and inclusion work across the city of Raleigh and the Triangle. You can find more information at TruthforRaleigh.com. Dr. Ruth was a Raleigh Mayoral Candidate for November 2022.

Dr. Ruth is leading a coalition of leaders to engage in local solutions through impact investing, design thinking, and creative collaborations. Right now he is facilitating a process to increase the use of faith based assets in improving the affordable housing stock. He is also working with United Way of the Triangle to offering a human centered design lens to the philanthropic network in the Triangle.