Throughout the last two years of my life, I have discovered how much
hard work and passion goes into properly educating students today compared to
previous methods used in the past. As a student, I knew what I wanted in an
educator, and now that the tables have turned, I know what kind of role model I
want to be for my students.
As an Art educator, it is important to note that most children are
visual learners. We use expressions to show how we feel. We use colors and
symbols to know when it is okay to cross the street. We tend not to care about
something until we can physically see the damage that it is doing to us and our
environment. Art itself is a powerful medium in which to express what it means
to be human. It is not only important to teach students through visual mediums,
but to also teach them how expressing themselves visually can be impactful on
others.
Another important aspect of teaching art is that it teaches students how
to use creative problem solving in difficult situations. Many students have
come up with different ways to answer math problems compared to the methods
that were taught. Though these students may configure the same answer, many get
shot down for not using the approved method that was instructed. Instead of
being told that what they are doing is wrong, students should be praised for
finding a different way to complete a hard task that works for them. Creative
problem solving can be applied in every occupation. Art class is where students
start to use creative problem solving skills, because the only limit to art projects
is your imagination (and the school’s art budget).
Art
also helps students who are visual learners in other subjects that may not be
visual subjects. Subjects such as English, history, and even science constantly
ask students to draw or make graphs to add a visual or artistic aspect to what
they are learning. When art and main subject teachers integrate their lessons, it
can form a strong connection to that subject for students. An example of this
would be my youngest sister. During my first year at Stout, I was in the play
“And Then They Came for Me”, which was put on through Arts Integration
Menomonie, about two Holocaust survivors. One of those survivors, Eva Schloss, came
to two of our performances to discuss her experience after the show. My sister
saw this show, and afterwards she wanted to learn everything she could about
the Holocaust. Integration has always had an important role in education, and
will continue to be so. It is an art teacher’s role to explain the importance
of integration to their fellow teachers and to work with them whenever necessary.
The best part about art education is that anyone can be an artist. Yes,
some are better than others, but you don’t have to be smart or popular to be
successful in art. Art doesn’t judge based on race, or religion, or sexual
orientation. Everyone can enjoy art. Everyone can make art. It has no limits.
The only limit is what the teacher can provide to the students. Accommodating
for disabilities and cultural differences can make a big impact on a student
and their family. Creating a lesson that could be difficult for a disabled
student or one that is insensitive to a student’s culture can be disastrous.
Every student can create art. A great teacher finds a way to each their lesson
to all their students, despite disabilities, and a great teacher educates
themselves on a cultural subject before they present it to their class. A great
teacher is always learning.
In today’s practice of education in the United States, teachers need to
have passion for the subject they teach. Teachers get paid so little for the
impact they make on a child’s life. However, being a teacher isn’t about the
money, it’s about knowing that you are making a difference. That may sound
corny, but many teachers provide safe spaces for students in their classrooms.
Some inspire to students to turn their education in a subject into a career,
and some make school a place students can call a second home. School is an
escape for some children from everything they go through at home, and making
classwork difficult can make things worse. A teacher’s passion to help their
students needs to equal their passion for the subject they teach. I understand that more than anything right
now, and intend to apply all of this to my future classroom.
