Advocacy for Art Education
As an Elementary Art Educator for the past 25 years I have noticed a constant advocacy for art education that I have never been able to place on the back burner. Many beginning art educators face the dilemma of R(eduction) I(n) F(orce). I faced this issue several times as a public school art educator and as an adjunct art educator at local universities. Although I have found that the major problem causing these RIFs is usually monetary, I have noticed that many of our colleagues do not present a professional demeanor.
Professionalism for many art teachers is natural. However, I speak to those of us who struggle daily with organization, wardrobe, communications, artistic creation and leadership. Here are my thoughts on How to REPRESENT!
Organization is vital to the revolving art room door. Planning and set-up for the entire year requires ‘pre-season” organization. Daily organization not only includes readying supplies, instructional materials, and technical equipment, but also includes the anticipated glitches and hiccups that we must adjust for during the day. And what about those unannounced glitches?????? Great organization keeps my day running smoothly and enables me to do my job well.
Wardrobe can be extremely fun to experiment with various textures, colors, and shapes. I try to consider the viewers. Meeting with any parents or professionals sends me to attire that fits into the mainstream. Part of the professional demeanor is established immediately by attire and can add to the esteem that you will receive from your colleagues.
Communications are vital to establish collegial relationships. Find positives in difficult situations. As many of us are the sole art teacher within the building, our relationships with other teachers are essential to maintaining the professional attitude for our subject area. Building a network of support can be job security!
Artistic Creation should never be given up entirely because you are “too busy”. We entered this field because of our love for creation and its essential power fulfills many inner needs. Practicing artists show students, staff, and parents that they ”practice what they preach”.
Leadership is exhibited through volunteering for those tasks that make your schools, local, state and national organizations operate well. School programs and committees benefit our students and staff. These activities actually carve out your “niche” in art education. Leadership also can be reflected in continuing your education throughout life!
Your thoughts are welcome and solicited!
-Dr. Judith Haynes
Thank you, Dr. Haynes, for addressing this issue. I find that these items are so important for building an indispensible program. The leadership is really important but it can be as simple as reaching out to a new or part-time art teacher in your building in order to help them establish these things and put their professional game face on for their school community!
Posted by: Tina Atkinson | November 01, 2010 at 03:52 PM
Thank you, Thank you! I will be tweeting this. These are things I stand for every day and it's enlightening to see someone else standing up for this, too.
Jessica
The ART of Education
www.theartofeducation.wordpress.com
Posted by: Jessica Balsley | November 01, 2010 at 07:20 PM
Judi,
Thank you for your message and congratulations on being this month's mentor.
Posted by: Bob Reeker | November 01, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Wonderful thougths! thank you for sharing! You are my hero, you know that!!!! You are an amazing art educator, leader for KyAEA, and NAEA!
Posted by: Valerie Trapp | November 01, 2010 at 09:27 PM
I taught for 8 yrs in a Chicago Public High school and I believe that advocacy was one of the most important things I fostered in my Art program. So many parents were unfamiliar with art and felt a HS Art program centered on finger painting. Even if they weren't unfamiliar, they still didn't know what happened daily and how they could help their children prepare for class.
So I asked for e-mail addresses from them when I presented the syllabus at the beginning of the year. Then monthly, I would send them a little newsletter. For instance, I explained to parents the step-by-step process I took to teaching their children how to observe to be better drawers. I also explained the importance of observation to good scientific thinking and descriptive writing. That helped them to see where art fit into their child's overall education.
Because of these postings, I developed a strong connection and respect from parents and students that last to this day.
Posted by: Lourdes Guerrero | November 13, 2010 at 06:07 PM
I taught for 8 yrs in a Chicago Public High school and I believe that advocacy was one of the most important things I fostered in my Art program. So many parents were unfamiliar with art and felt a HS Art program centered on finger painting. Even if they weren't unfamiliar, they still didn't know what happened daily and how they could help their children prepare for class.
So I asked for e-mail addresses from them when I presented the syllabus at the beginning of the year. Then monthly, I would send them a little newsletter. For instance, I explained to parents the step-by-step process I took to teaching their children how to observe to be better drawers. I also explained the importance of observation to good scientific thinking and descriptive writing. That helped them to see where art fit into their child's overall education.
Because of these postings, I developed a strong connection and respect from parents and students that last to this day.
Posted by: Lourdes Guerrero | November 13, 2010 at 06:13 PM