Monthly Mentor

Art at the middle school level for most children is the last opportunity to challenge their artistic skills. Most middle schoolers don’t believe in their artistic abilities, heck, they don’t believe in any of their abilities.

When students first come into the art room I have them fill out an information sheet. I ask them pertinent information like their name, address, parent’s name, and phone number. I can get all of that information in the office but I feel it connects me to them by allowing them to tell me who they are. I then ask them to list two additional pieces of information. First I want to know something they like to do on their own, it could be a sport, dance, read, skateboard, etc. Everyone loves to share his or her skills and passions. The second thing I ask is “What do you like about art? or, if you don’t like art, “Why don’t you like art?” By asking them this it allows them to express their fears and insecurities.

I read all of those cards just to get to know my kids a little better. I take every one of those students who wrote, “I hate art cards” and try very hard to make them lovers of art. Many times at the end of the ten-week marking period I will quietly ask those non-art enthusiasts how they feel about art and they smile and say, “I love it. I didn’t think I could do this!” Then I know I have made a difference

I was fortunate to be selected this year as NAEA Middle School Art Educator of the Year. This honor was awarded to me at NAEA in Minneapolis last week. I am thrilled to be acknowledged by the NAEA and thankful for all of your support.

AENJ Members at the 2009 NAEA National Convention, Minneapolis, MN

Deb Greh at the AENJ Happy Hour Bash, Minneapolis, MN

What can I say to inspire you to reach for the stars? This thought has been haunting me for the past few weeks.

As I thought about the highs and lows, the good and the bad, the ups and downs of my 33 years of teaching, I came to settle for the beginning, … while standing here towards the end. As a student teacher I did ok, I’m sure my cooperating teacher Inara Pelsis never envisioned me here! She provided me with many productive and helpful suggestions for my future, but I really only remember one. She advised me to speak up! She feared I was too quiet. The classroom would demand a larger voice to keep the art room focused.

Now as I look back I believe her advise is the best advice I can give to you. Speak Up …. For ART, or I fear you won’t be heard. Have a voice and strengthen it as you pass through the journey. Believe in what you do and you will not only find your voice but create yourself as you go.

I have enjoyed writing this Monthly Mentor for the NAEA Website. I hope that perhaps my words and thoughts have helped you to feel the kinship we need to share. Please feel free to drop me an email anytime and we can banter around stories and ideas about Teaching Art to the Middle School Student!

Thanks,
Linda Devlin
ldevlin@aenj.org