University of North Texas 
Future art teachers gain hands-on experience in a clinical practice by blending educational
theories with real-world classroom management and instruction.
Six Art Education Students Receive Clinical Practice Awards
Six UNT CVAD Art Education students have received Art Education Clinical Practice
Awards for the fall 2026 semester. In teacher preparation, clinical practice means
supervised, real-world classroom teaching where student art educators practice lesson
planning, classroom management and art instruction.
Supported by the Jo Ann (Jody) and Dr. Charles O. Onstead Institute for Education in the Visual Arts
and Design, the $3,000 award provides financial assistance to future art educators during clinical
practice internships. Recipients also conduct teacher research while completing student
teaching, helping each aspiring educator develop a reflective, research-informed approach
to classroom instruction.
Selected by a committee from the Art Education Department, this semester’s recipients
are Sandy Barajas, Charlotte Burns, Christina Ramirez, Llumine Shin, Ailynn Venzor
and Belle Wright.
Sandy Barajas
Dallas native Sandy Barajas is a retired Dallas Independent School District substitute
teacher studying art education at UNT CVAD. Early childhood training and eight years
of classroom experience have prepared Barajas to lead an art classroom. Outside the
classroom, Barajas enjoys knitting, painting, crafting and traveling and has three
teenage daughters and a spouse of 28 years.
Charlotte Burns
Charlotte Burns is entering the final semester of study at UNT. Clinical practice
will provide an opportunity to apply skills developed throughout the art education
program while gaining new experience through student teaching.
Christina Ramirez
Christina Ramirez is a Dallas-based multimedia artist and UNT CVAD Master of Arts
candidate. Ramirez studied theater and visual arts at Booker T. Washington High School
for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas before earning a B.F.A. from the School
of Visual Arts in New York City in 2011.
Llumine Shin
Llumine Shin learned about the award and connected with its emphasis on individual
growth and dedication. Shin’s experience at UNT reflects progress, resilience and
academic excellence. The award will ease financial pressures during clinical training,
allowing Shin to focus on refining classroom practices and preparing to become an
effective art educator.
Ailynn Venzor
UNT senior Ailynn Venzor is entering the final semester of the CVAD Art Education
program as a student teacher. Experiences judging the Visual Art Scholastic Event,
commonly known as VASE, and working as a substitute teacher have strengthened Venzor’s
commitment to art education.
Belle Wright
Belle Wright is preparing for a clinical teaching semester in art education. Wright
aims to create inclusive, student-centered classrooms where young artists can explore
creativity, build confidence and express themselves through art. A central goal is
to inspire a lifelong appreciation for art in every student.