Networking
Lots of art educators are social creatures. We love to make, view and discuss art . So why not do this together? Here are some ideas for activating a region where you live. As the sole art teacher in many schools, the companionship and level of understanding and empathy from other art educators increases my motivation and enthusiasm.
I would like to thank those teachers living in the region that I teach in for their support. You know who you are. You are awesome, amazing people!
We get together for dinner and First Friday Gallery Walks. Our group never seems to be entirely the same, but hey, the differences of attendees make it fun! We schmooze and walk, gripe and brag! Our group is not limited in gender or age. The younger teachers accept “us” veterans.
Monthly professional development workshops also bring us together. Here, a new technique can be learned such as paper making, Photoshop, making a pinhole camera, artists trading cards, etc. Everyone has expertise and snacks to share!
During the Holidays, we have a handmade ornament exchange party. Everyone made an extra ornament for the hostess in her new home to help her decorate her tree!
Jurors are always needed for school/district contests. Why not utilize your regions art educators for this process and use it as an excuse to get together.
And finally, no one should ever have to drive to board and state conventions alone. Carpooling is fun, economical and the idea exchanges are amazing.
-Dr. Judith Haynes
You are so right. Networking is very important. Though I live in a large city and have many people to talk to, it's wonderful to meet with fellow Art Educators at museum talks, gallery openings and professional conferences.
I am one of the hundreds of Chicago Public School teachers who lost their jobs this summer but I was still encouraged to attend this year's Illinois Art Education Association conference. It was SO wonderful. We shared so much but I also came home feeling I received more than I gave. People were generous with ideas and support.
Though I don't have my old job back,I have networked enough so that now I have one part-time position, 2 sub positions and many, many connections for future work and writings.
Posted by: Lourdes Guerrero | November 13, 2010 at 06:27 PM
You are so right. Networking is very important. Though I live in a large city and have many people to talk to, it's wonderful to meet with fellow Art Educators at museum talks, gallery openings and professional conferences.
I am one of the hundreds of Chicago Public School teachers who lost their jobs this summer but I was still encouraged to attend this year's Illinois Art Education Association conference. It was SO wonderful. We shared so much but I also came home feeling I received more than I gave. People were generous with ideas and support.
Though I don't have my old job back,I have networked enough so that now I have one part-time position, 2 sub positions and many, many connections for future work and writings.
Posted by: Lourdes Guerrero | November 13, 2010 at 06:28 PM
You are so right. Networking is very important. Though I live in a large city and have many people to talk to, it's wonderful to meet with fellow Art Educators at museum talks, gallery openings and professional conferences.
I am one of the hundreds of Chicago Public School teachers who lost their jobs this summer but I was still encouraged to attend this year's Illinois Art Education Association conference. It was SO wonderful. We shared so much but I also came home feeling I received more than I gave. People were generous with ideas and support.
Though I don't have my old job back,I have networked enough so that now I have one part-time position, 2 sub positions and many, many connections for future work and writings.
Posted by: Lourdes Guerrero | November 13, 2010 at 06:30 PM
You are so right. Networking is very important. Though I live in a large city and have many people to talk to, it's wonderful to meet with fellow Art Educators at museum talks, gallery openings and professional conferences.
I am one of the hundreds of Chicago Public School teachers who lost their jobs this summer but I was still encouraged to attend this year's Illinois Art Education Association conference. It was SO wonderful. We shared so much but I also came home feeling I received more than I gave. People were generous with ideas and support.
Though I don't have my old job back,I have networked enough so that now I have one part-time position, 2 sub positions and many, many connections for future work and writings.
Posted by: Lourdes Guerrero | November 13, 2010 at 06:30 PM
I'm an art educator with 16 years of experience in teaching for Brandon School Division and this is so true. We go out of our way to help promote and help others enjoy art. I've just started networking trying to find others with similar artistic experiences. I find that artist and art educators do art and enjoy art, but to find good documentated research and case studies, that give evidence and support what we know is difficult. I was the art coordinator of the ArtsSmarts project, wherein artists and educators developed art-integrated lessons. This is when I first realized that we as artists and art educators need to document what we are doing. I am now a sessional lecturer at Brandon University, developing an art-integrated curriculum. These lessons will integrate art across the general school curriculum. They will increase awareness and sensitivity of the students’ personal environment and the natural world.
Posted by: Eric Lowe | November 20, 2010 at 11:21 AM