Summertime: relax, reflect, and renew your commitment to art and education

It’s summer and the fun begins. However, before you enjoy a well-deserved break, build in time to reflect on this year and plan for the future. Early July is the best time for reflection because the old school year is still fresh in your mind and the new one is several weeks away. Consider ways to enhance your program, improve your practice, and promote art education.

Here are some reflection questions to consider: What were your most successful activities this past school year? …and the most challenging? What would you change next year? What would you like to do that you didn’t get to this year? What new thing(s) would you like to try? What did a colleague or someone you respect, do, that you would like to emulate or introduce next year? How might you become a better teacher and a more effective advocate for art education?

Taking time to reflect on these questions and others that come to mind will help you prepare for the new school year as well as set new goals for your art program.

After you’ve written your reflections, brainstorm ideas for the new year. Some of your ideas might start during the summer; some may have to wait until the beginning of the school year, and some may require attending a workshop or course. Whatever you decide, it’s important to make a commitment, pursue your objectives and develop them as goals you want to achieve.

To begin, if you don’t already do so, consider keeping a journal for recording ideas and reflections. While teachers often expect students to keep journals, they don’t always practice what they preach. The summer is a good time to begin this practice – consider devoting at least 15-30 minutes every few days - it will give you momentum to continue doing it during the school year. Create artistic pages that are visually pleasing, and have them serve two purposes: to record visual ideas and ideas for teaching. Include sketches, small paintings, collage, photographs, notes, and/or other materials you might want to use. If you’re adventurous and have the time to explore, consider keeping both a traditional and an electronic journal. Be creative and have fun with it!

There is no better time to start than now. The best to you as you embark on this adventure of continued learning while seeking ways to become a more creative and effective artist- teacher/art advocate. 

-Daisy McTighe