REFLECTIONS ON TEACHING ART

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE VIDEO: “REFLECTIONS ON TEACHING ART”
http://youtu.be/HfMEU2zhz_E

This short video is a testimony to all of my teachers who influence my daily life, past present and future, and all are significant parts of my whole being.

As we teach, we collaborate and find a community of like-minded people who share this roller coaster ride of Art Education. So, my fellow collaborators, I ask the question:

Who influenced you, and taught you to become an artist and teacher?

Since we are Visual Arts teachers, I decided to share my symbolic visual journey with this video. In the movie, I included works of art that inspire me, my own artwork, photographs from key moments in my life as an art teacher in Minnesota, Japan and Greece. I hope you will recognize the metaphors, allegories and archetypes.

As I created the movie, I thought about all teachers and the joys and frustrations we all experience. Who could forget the first classes we taught? Most of us still have nightmares! Conversely, we fondly remember the achievements and joys of our students.

Every day is a new adventure in the art classroom. We integrate, differentiate, bend, flex our muscles and laugh at ourselves. Our clothes are paint-stained, our knuckles red and our brains are racing- we are passionate about the arts! We hope to inspire all whom cross our path. We all seek excellence in our work with students, curricula, and with our personal art. We fight the good fight and open the world’s window for our students.

With this in mind… I especially want to encourage pre-service teachers on their quest for a life in art education. We all want to inspire and help you on your journey.
So, “from the Land of 10,000 Mosquitoes, and the Voyageurs” (my students’ description of Minnesota), enjoy the show! I hope you’ll reflect and remember (and thank) at least one great art teacher who helped you on your life’s path!

-Jo-Anne Kirkman