What Skills have I attained that make me an Art Educator, above and beyond the call of duty?3/20/2020 One of the things I appreciate about returning to college, the required learning, reflection and further training. We are asked to exercise our comfort zones of research, theory, philosophy, and practice.
I don't normally draw, however I draw close to 20 or more hours on an assignment so far there have been about 9 assignments, that's a lot of drawing. The Thursday before our extended spring break, the last time we would have class in the classroom for the year, we were to free write. I'm guessing that collectively, much like 9/11 we were in a state of shock. "What does this mean?" "What will we do?" "How do we go on from here?" I will have to say that it has jolted me. Needless to say we didn't free write in class, the title of this post was the starter. The current situation and cancellations has caused me to rethink how fast, how hard, how much I have been making myself achieve. I admit the amount of work, my family of 6, cooking for a school of 60, teaching art K-8, weaving and selling as a business, administrating the parent organization at our school, running recovery meetings, going back to school for a second degree, three internships, being a friend (I'm sure there is more).. SO when asked, What skills have I attained that make me an art educator? Many. Leadership. Psychology (although not formally trained). Writing. Communication. Passion and desire, I argue are not skills but are vital to being an educator and inherent. Leadership. I have been in many organizations and the president and Vice President on the boards. My vision in these groups has always been community minded, encouraging involvement, celebrating unique gifts of the members, valuing traditions, but embracing innovation. Flexibility and fluidity is vital to success and growth. Valuing other and encouraging them to contribute in their unique ways is sustainable. I see this relatable to the classroom. Each child is an individual. It is human nature for us to categorize into good and bad. Students often (even my children at home) criticize instead of celebrating the positive. There is time for criticism, however a great leader offers encouragement and inclusiveness. Correcting comes in passion and desire. The passion is what pushes me to instruct my vision. However, I often lead with a watchful eye, instead of a heavily correcting tongue. Psychology, or might I say mindfulness. These days with the amount of mental health awareness and need to support those who suffer is pertinent. It is imperative to pay attention to the needs of children who suffer so we can break cycle, and create a healthier society. In recovery meetings the focus is on the solution, and often that solution is not focusing on the problem. Changing perspectives and looking at things from a a different spin. As an art educator, encouraging students to focus on the present on where the child is in the classroom, thinking about creating. That might be the only hour in the day they really enjoy, making the best of that and being the positivity if not just support. That does not mean it will be easy. Moments often look like a power struggle. Children who are often disturbed by home life or social situations bring it to class by being obstinate, refuse to comply, disruptive and loud, and can dominate the learning that may not be happening because of their behavior. Once educators can understand the at the behavior is fear based, that the child is in pain, compassion can be key in how to address the behavior. It's also is important the child doesn't dominate the learning environment so it takes a great amount of care in navigating situations this delicate. Writing. I need to document. In the positions I have held I have had to make my thoughts clear. I hav years of experience, in marketing and advertising, creating agendas, and writing reports. I have applied for grants and written resumes. I have learned a whole host of verbiage in order to get the point across. Communication. Much like writing it is a skill I have been practicing for years. I have been teaching to adults over a decade and presenting to audiences through my positions. Public speaking is something I have had to practice and refine. In speaking to groups it is important to get the information across but also engage the audience into active listening which is a gift. Often I revert to tasteful humor, it usually pulls the audience back into the discussion. In art education, it is key to have a sense of your audience. Basically, are they listening? Am I being heard? Often inviting the students into a conversation or discussion get them thinking and listening to each other. That redirect can often be a gateway in which I can reenter instruction. Being informed of my audience and flexible in my leadership and instruction are key components in my role as an art educator, as a contributing member of society, mother, daughter, sister, friend.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI have a passion for the visual arts and love sharing it with others. I have enjoyed teaching all ages and love to incorporate art history and traditional disciplines as well as innovative ideas. Art is vital to who I am as a creator and educator. Archives
May 2020
Categories |