I haven’t blogged in a while because I’ve been doing loads of thinking. As my Choice Art studio evolves so does the challenges within it, in addition, my own individual school culture has been changing. Right now, I’m not sure what my place is in it.
My student population has changed from last year but my Choice system is the same. As the culture in the school changes so does the manner in which students embrace Choice in the studio. My days are measured day by day. Yes- it’s a struggle sometimes but I strive to find the wins and focus on the students who are pushing themselves to learn, design, and challenge themselves.
I have been searching for inspiration and I have purchased two books that I hope will be fruitful. I got Culturize by Jimmy Casas and The Wild Card by Hope and Wade King. I am a fighter, I want to be successful, I want my students to be achievers. I’ve got to get this right.
I am very reflective but I haven’t been as active on social media or this blog due to my need to figure things out. I’m approaching my 29th year of teaching and I am always evolving. In light of the recent school shootings it has also set me thinking about relationships teachers have with students. Positive healthy relationships are key to help students. No school is immune to violence so this weights heavy on my already pressured mind. Education has changed since I started teaching. Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart.
I am looking forward to the National Art Educators Convention in Seattle. I NEED to be with strong educators with inspiring ideas. I have been feeling more isolated than ever. I feel like I have been pushing a large boulder uphill and I need relief.
Reaching out to help others often is my counter balance to my own struggle.
I am hosting a school visit from a couple of teachers from out of state, who are coming to see my studio at work. They will experience it, warts and all. My studio is small, I have everything in one space, and at times we are pushing beyond our walls. Because it is a Choice studio, I’m not clear where my studio work will be when they arrive but it will be real.
I’m hosting for the first time a school visit with a panel of ten students. We are visiting a middle school in Arkansas to share how Choice works in our studio. I got a request on Instagram to Skype in with her class but I felt I could do better. It’s my experience that my students could influence her students better in person. I have made it through all of the logistics and we are taking 10 students to present to her classes. The entire middle school will go through three separate workshops with my students. I have a few of my students planning the workshop and they will direct the sessions when we arrive. I plan on documenting the experience. If it is successful I might repeat this workshop at our local art conference. This experience will benefit my students as much as the students we will be helping. I’m excited to see where it goes.
Most recently, I was asked to host summer PD for art educators in AR by the Arkansas Department of Education. I will be writing a professional development plan with a practicing artist to help art educators this summer. I will mix in my Choice practice but also help nurture confidence in their creativity and leadership abilities.
In addition to all of the above, I have been creating my own art work. I submitted to the Delta Art Show to be juried. It’s a long shot but I have to try. I need to practice what I expect my students to do. I will do a complete book review and let you know how the books are helpful.
Keep striving to be your best, kids deserve it.
Peace
PS I designed a few t-shirts for the upcoming NAEA Convention- check them out here:
https://www.amazon.com/LIFReflect-ChoiceArt-Seattle/dp/B079C4VLP2?customId=B07537HNN5&th=1
Art Around 
Recent Comments