For Ulrich Intermediate Visual Arts teacher Meredith Waggoner, creativity has always been more than a subject—it’s a way of thinking, exploring, and connecting with the world.
Ms. Waggoner’s passion truly took shape in fifth grade when she was introduced to Art History and discovered the work of Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Experiencing how dramatically his work differed from traditional Renaissance Art expanded her understanding of creativity and sparked a deeper appreciation for artistic expression.
“During my high school years, I was fortunate to learn from several inspirational teachers who recognized my potential and played a pivotal role in guiding me toward a career in education,” Ms. Waggoner said.
As a high school student, Ms. Waggoner actively participated in art competitions, where Klein ISD was often the district to beat. Even then, she admired the strength and reputation of Klein’s visual arts programs and knew it would be an honor to one day serve such a respected district as an educator.
She continued her education at East Texas A&M, studying Art and Photography and earning a Bachelor of Science in Photography. She also pursued minors in Business, Journalism, and Art, developing a well-rounded skill set that continues to inform her work in the classroom.
“Growing up in a family of educators, teaching always felt like a natural calling,” Ms. Waggoner said. “From an early age, I gravitated toward teaching, learning from my own experience the impact educators can have on students’ confidence, growth, and love of learning.”
Ms. Waggoner began her career in Klein ISD at Schindewolf Intermediate, where she spent 14 years teaching and building a strong Visual Arts program. During that time, she focused on developing a curriculum that emphasized creativity, strong foundational skills, and student confidence.
In 2020, she transitioned to Ulrich Intermediate to help establish and grow its Art program. The opportunity to build something new while continuing to serve the Klein ISD community was both exciting and professionally meaningful. Since joining Ulrich, she has remained committed to fostering a Visual Arts program that encourages creativity, self-expression, and student engagement.
“My teaching philosophy centers on helping students become creative thinkers who can apply problem-solving skills beyond the Art classroom,” Ms. Waggoner said. “Through structured instruction and open-ended exploration, she encourages students to take risks, reflect on their work, and view creativity as a lifelong skill.”
Building relationships with students is a cornerstone of Ms. Waggoner’s classroom. She greets each student at the door and takes time to learn about their interests outside of class, using those connections to inspire projects and create a classroom environment where students feel safe sharing their ideas.
“Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about learning how to think, solve problems, and express yourself in ways that carry into every part of life,” Ms. Waggoner said.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Waggoner serves as the Fine Arts Facilitator for Intermediate Art, planning professional development opportunities, and helping organize the annual Klein Fine Arts Festival. She is also an active member of the Texas Art Education Association, has presented at the TAEA conference, and serves as a judge for the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and the Visual Arts Scholastic Event.
Throughout her career, she has been shaped by the guidance and mentorship of many educators, including Kay Munger, Gayla Chaney, Leigh Peek, Dr. Vivian Fridley-Hereford, Melinda Jahn, and Karri Clark.
“I have been fortunate to learn from many incredible educators throughout my career, and I am deeply grateful for the mentors who helped shape me into the teacher I am today,” Ms. Waggoner said. “Their guidance, encouragement, and passion for teaching continue to influence my classroom practices and remind me of the importance of supporting and mentoring others in education.”
Klein ISD is fortunate to have educators like Ms. Waggoner, whose passion for the arts and dedication to students continue to shape meaningful learning experiences at Ulrich Intermediate.