Jennifer Tiongson, who is a new art teacher at New Providence High School, has said that she not only teaches art to kids, but also enjoys spending time with family and traveling outside of school.  Ms. Tiongson believes that art is an important part of a child’s education because you can be you when making art. Ms. Tiongson wants to show that anyone can make art. 

Ms. Tiongson started her career as an artist as soon as she could hold a pencil. She attended college at Pratt Institute and New Jersey City University and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art.  She received her teaching credentials from St. Peter’s University. 

Ms. Tiongson has won many awards for outstanding artwork.  She won the Claire Flanagan award for her role as NJ’s Youth Art Month Chair three times.  She has also received five Governor’s Medals for Art Education, and the Anthony Gaudiello Award from Art Educators of New Jersey.

She has taught art previously for the Jersey City Public schools, as well as catholic schools for some years.  In addition to teaching many art classes at NPHS, she enjoys making her own art outside of school. She likes to hike and take road trips.  Ms.Tiongson states that she mostly spends time with her daughter, who competes in horse races across the Mid-Atlantic states.

When asked about our faculty and students, she says that “the staff and students are very welcoming.” Art is more than a like for her.  She claims it is her life and passion. She makes art, teaches art as her profession, teaches art privately, and overall surrounds herself with art.  She absolutely loves it. 

Ms. Tiongson believes that art is an important part of a child’s education: “Making art, or simpler making marks, is an intrinsically human trait.  Teaching young humans to make those marks mean something is a very interesting vocation.”

  Not only that, but she wants to get the word out to students and people to take the art elective in their school.  Ms. Tiongson always reminds her students that art class in high school is one of the few places to be free and play around with creativity before higher education and real life.  Art is just one of those things where you can be creative and do whatever you want. 

 As an art teacher, she tries to inspire young artists, but is also inspired herself.  In particular, Van Gogh is an artistic inspiration to her. She loves the way he applied paint “like spreading butter.”  She is inspired by artists who have a physicality to their paintings. Ms. Tiongson is also a fan or Baroque art and the Renaissance.

In life, she looks up to her mentor Dr. Debbie Greh.  As she mentioned, “She is the kindest and most brilliant person I have ever met.  I am grateful she is my mentor and friend.”  

As a fun fact, at home or when she travels, Ms. Tiongson collects old things.  Everything she owns is vintage or used. She tried to not buy anything new. Ms. Tiongson does not own a dishwasher because her vintage china is hand wash only.

Ms. Tiongson is so happy to teach at New Providence High School.  She loves the students and staff and most importantly loves her job.