Sharing our Teaching Moments

In the world of education, our greatest friend and foe is time.  I often tell my students that good art equals time and there is no way around it.  Regardless of talent, drive, or motivation, if a student wants to be successful in the arts, he/she needs to put the time in.  So it is with teaching!  As we rush around to write lesson plans, prepare supplies, grade, attend meetings, sponsor events, shows, clubs, and organizations, answer e-mails, return phone calls, set-up and clean-up, supervise lunch and car pool duty (and any other duty assigned therein) meet with students, display art, and generally assist in all things art related – it’s a wonder how we make it through the day!  Despite all of this, when the students enter our room and the door is closed, we have the opportunity to share our passion about the arts and this is when the “magic” happens.   And, what happens to that magic when the students leave?  Does it disappear never to be seen again?    

In the haste of the day, I challenge all art educators to take a moment to share the magic.  Be not afraid to e-mail a parent, administrator, or colleague to describe the events of the classroom and share student successes.   Sometimes, a few short paragraphs that celebrate our teaching moments are all it takes to propel our enthusiasm and passion for the arts forward.  Despite the hectic pace of the day, take the time to celebrate the small victories of “aha! moments, creative inspirations, and visual accomplishments that were seemingly impossible!

Get into the habit of writing.  By celebrating and sharing our teaching moments with others – a wonderful thing happens along the way – we learn to advocate.  When we take the time to share our joy, our thoughtfulness, our plans, dreams, and creative accomplishments in the classroom – we have the capacity to inspire others to do more.   

-Rebecca Stone-Danahy