Adjunct Professor, Footwear Design
I absolutely love my role as an Adjunct II Professor of footwear design at California College of the Arts in San Francisco. With a deep connection to the industry, I am very engaged in working with young designers as an educator, mentor, and advocate as they learn and launch their careers.
INSTRUCTION & TRAINING
- Keynote speaker to design and merchandising students
- Briefing and critique of footwear design projects
- Conduct footwear product merchandising, fit, construction, and materials seminars
- Footwear specialist training at corporate events and conferences
- Wholesale and Retail sales staff training
Available for Guest Lectures & Public Speaking
Student & Education Photo Gallery
Student Testimonials
“I first met Caroline at California College of the Arts as her student in her footwear design class. She created an inclusive learning environment and showed a remarkable ability to connect with each student. Her knowledge and passion for the footwear industry helped me grow as a designer and motivated me to pursue a career in footwear.
Even after graduating, I am still in touch with Caroline and often visit her student’s footwear design critiques. She has also connected me with numerous individuals in the footwear industry for possible career opportunities. One thing you quickly learn about Caroline is that her impact on her students goes far beyond the classroom.”
—Nico Reno, Industrial Design graduate
“Caroline goes above and beyond to push her students further in their careers. She has helped me and many other CCA students to bridge the gap between student and professional work. She is caring, guiding and a great mentor for anyone looking to become a professional shoe designer.
Caroline introduces professionals from all aspects of the shoe industry to both challenge and stem meaningful connections with her students that can take them to their dream jobs.”
—Nathan Williams, Industrial Designer
Being a student of Caroline de Baere is an absolute privilege and an honor. She is incredibly insightful, professional, and kindly shares her connections with students in an inspiring way. She brought us to a tannery for leather, brought in professionals to show us how to tape a last, and held multiple zoom meetings with current trending professional shoe designers, just wow!
I have learned so much in her Shoe Design Investigation course. I will never forget the skills learned in her course and will continue to apply these values to all of my design work moving forward. Thank you for everything Professor Caroline de Baere!
—Veronica Dodds, Industrial Design student
“Caroline is a beacon of joy and inspiration! Her dedication to our shoe design class was unmatched, always going the extra mile to uplift and guide every student, including myself. Her support extends far beyond the classroom and encountering her is a privilege and blessing to have come across.”
—Daniel (Little) Nava, Industrial Design graduate
“Caroline is all of our greatest supporters at school. No matter what department you’re in, she embraces you and supports you in every endeavor.”
—Myrranda Mora, Individualized Studies graduate
“It was so wonderful having ur class. It was a very precious experience for me to get to know how to design shoes, it was so much fun. It wasn’t just a simple class for me, but also made me feel warm like a big family especially when I’m an international student. Everyone in the class was so sweet and kind, and I’ll always remember u made us food while doing the presentation, it just feels like a big family. I appreciate the opportunity of being taught by u. Ty very much!!!!”
—Yiwei Wang, Fashion Design graduate
Professor Testimonials
“Caroline is totally committed to delivering the best learning experience for students in her classes. She has deep practical knowledge as a designer, maker and entrepreneur, which inspires her students and prepares them well for professional placements.”
—Lynda Grose, Former Fashion Chair, Professor of Fashion Design, California College of the Arts. Sustainability author
“Having Caroline as faculty is a huge win for CCA. Her expertise extends from business to shoe design to design law making her a unique voice in the design classroom. Her classes are an unexpected journey for the students.”
—Gregory Climer, Fashion Chair, California College of the Arts
“Working alongside Caroline de Baere in the Design Division of California College of the Arts is both energizing and uplifting. Her industry expertise, technical skills, creative problem-solving, and passion for what she does continually inspire my colleagues and I.
Caroline’s unwavering professional dedication to mentoring aspiring designers showcases her undeniable commitment to supporting the next generation of innovative professionals, and it comes as no surprise that she is held in high regard by both students and peers alike for her remarkable abilities in both design and academia.”
—Ghazaleh Khalifeh, Assistant Professor, California College of the Arts
“I have the pleasure of being Caroline de Baere’s peer in the Industrial Design program at the California College of the Arts. From the very first time we crossed paths she has shown great passion and fierce motivation to make her classes an incredibly positive learning experience for students and a valued enhancement to our program.
Caroline works hard in her attention to detail when conducting her classes. Her deep knowledge, experience, and professional connections in her field makes her and her classes a must for students in different design disciplines to add actionable knowledge and amazing projects to their portfolios. The relationship Caroline builds with her students goes well beyond her classes as she stays in touch well after graduation and helps them with placement in the footwear industry.
Caroline is also adept and committed in the way she tackles presentations and critiques. She makes sure that they are always well attended by design leaders and professionals, thus providing real world feedback for the students with the added possibility for them to meet and greet these guests and make a connection in the industry.
It has been a great experience watching her continue to confidently evolve in our program and beyond. I completely support her in all her current and future endeavors.”
—David E. Gonzalez, Assistant Chair of Industrial Design, California College of the Arts