Jonelle Pickett

Burbank High School Animation Program Instructor

Jonelle is a passionate Arts Educator. For 20+ years she has developed educational programs that merge the traditional arts with digital and tech tools to provide students with foundational skills they can utilize in work and life experiences. As an Animation and Sculpture Instructor at Burbank High School, she has created a studio environment that mirrors career opportunities, fosters innovation and design skills, and values the artistic journey. At BHS she expanded Visual Arts with new Sculpture courses, and invigorated the BHS Animation curriculum with class offerings of up to four years within the CTE AME Animation, Game Design and VFX pathway. Jonelle enjoys creating new collaborative learning experiences, most recently facilitating a sound recording studio and VR space. She appreciates the community and industry partnerships that extend student educational opportunities outside the classroom, including the mentorship support and dynamic professional experiences provided through Nickelodeon Community Efforts. Her students enjoy recognition in notable film festivals throughout the U.S., and share their talents by designing and creating installation and art service projects.  

Jonelle holds a BA in Arts Education from Cal State Long Beach and an MA Ed from Concordia University. She received the 2012 BHS Kiwanis Award, 2015 LA County/BUSD Teacher of the Year, and the 2015 Burbank Arts for All Educator Award.