Stephen PedersonStephen Pederson is a graphic artist and former elementary art and library-media teacher who enjoys designing childrens' learning materials. He grew up in a large family on the south side of Chicago with a 'flair for creativity.' Steve completed his B.A.degree from Chicago State University, with an Illinois Elementary Teachers Certificate before working in CPS schools for 14 years. Besides sub-teaching for several years, he became a primary-level Computer, Library-media and Art teacher and has volunteered in several Christian church children's programs.While teaching, Steve was continually designing creative lessons and art projects, where his varied interests and educational experience coalesced. "If I had to do it again, I might have pursued a Curriculum Design path. It took some years to find my niche."After leaving full-time teaching, Steve enjoyed tutoring part-time in two low-income after-school programs and then, as an independent contractor for more than a decade. He also attented two semesters at Westwood College in Chicago where he upgraded some of his graphic design skills. With those skills, he refined a series of visual sketches and learning concepts from his teaching experiences into a digital format. After a few years of work, Steve had developed several creative children's workbook drafts. He then revisedand refined 3 workbook designsboth manually and digitally overseveral years, until they were ready to be self-published. Read More Read Less