Artsonia Advocate

Four years ago, I learned about a company called Artsonia at a CAEA state conference. It had quite an impact on my teaching. Everyone loves Artsonia – the students, parents, staff and administration. Artsonia has been around for years, but I didn’t know about it! There are still teachers who do not know about it.

Looking at the new Core Arts Standards, I realized Artsonia can be a useful tool for meeting many of the requirements on presenting and responding. Artsonia can serve as a type of e-portfolio. It is also a “museum” of student artwork from all over the world. My students enjoy looking at what other children are making in other countries.

There are areas for students to make statements on their artwork which can serve as an assessment instrument for responding. I have a parent volunteer who asks students about their artwork during class and helps them enter their responses.

Another great feature is effortless fundraising. We usually raise approximately $500 per year. It may not seem like a lot of money, but to me, it is wonderful to buy supplies for a “special” project, or to be able to order something that I ran out of, etc.

You never know when something special is going to come your way from Artsonia. I was able to enter the artwork of three students for the Artsonia display at Big Screen Plaza, at the 2012 NAEA National Convention in New York City, and one student’s artwork for the NAEA/Artsonia exhibit.

Jaylen, NYC

If you are feeling the need for a “spark” in your teaching, try looking into the many programs available on Artsonia. Reflecting on my years of teaching, the programs offered by Artsonia were the most important I became involved with. My t-shirt says it all!

Check them out online!

-Suzanne Dionne