Justin Pierce is a Media Arts artist and educator committed to fostering collaboration and cultivating curiosity. He began his career after receiving a BA in Painting and a BFA in Art Education from Kent State University in 2004. Justin later earned his MAAE from MICA in 2011 with a focus on qualitative research and studio practice. Since then, he has taught in North and South Carolina, developing and instructing classes in Visual Art, Design, Photography, and Media Arts. In 2012, Justin helped form Cabarrus County School's first high school STEAM program. Within this program, he integrated art and design into all core subject areas. In 2018, Justin was awarded the Cato Excellence in Teaching Award from the Charlotte Arts and Science Council. This award recognizes exceptionally creative, innovative pre-K–12th grade Arts, Science or History teachers who infuse the Arts, Sciences and History into the core curriculum. As the current lead high school Media Arts teacher for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, he is in charge of creating and providing inclusive and empathy-based curriculum that align to state and national standards. This includes building communities, storytelling, and helping students discover their self worth through Media Arts.
