Epiphany Skyline, Ann Mary, 7th grade This past January I decided to return to college at UW-Stout to complete my art education licensure. I enrolled in two classes my spring semester, while teaching art at my current position in a private school, and being the lunch coordinator which many, endearingly, referred to me as THE lunch lady. By mid February I realized that I couldn't juggle my lunch lady gig and do my best in all things academic, teaching and learning, so I cut the apron strings.
In March, the pandemic, an event of biblical proportions took over the world. With lockdowns and closures, shifting to online or remote learning was something that everyone needed to learn very quickly. One of my classes was a drawing studio. I will have to say that in that course especially, the online move was not beneficial. Being part of change and challenge, as a student as well as teacher, was dynamic. I had to rethink my own delivery as well as continue my work as a student. I saw my fellow classmates struggles, I struggled. I felt that my output as a student was not at the level in person lacked the in class experience with one on one instructor guidance and instruction. As a student I push myself harder in person. I knew that what I was experiencing was something to apply to my own students. I have learned so much this year. In the summer I took an art history course that I had taken in my first undergraduate degree, I have a minor in art history. Even though the content did not change, I did. Twenty years later I looked at the ancient civilizations and their approach to design, function, and expression with a whole new lens. I was also able to glean ideas with this research and closer look at things I knew, but really didn't contemplate. Retaking this course forced me to really meditate on the foundations of human nature and the creation of human hands. This fall I entered an intense work load not yet experienced in this form in my life; juggling a family of six, 15 credits, and teaching K-8 art in a private school. As I close this semester, I reflect on how this was an academic marathon, and how I pulled it off with flying colors yet, it is not sustainable. I am so grateful that despite major adversity, online learning, my father needing emergency care, I was able to keep the focus on my goals. My students have also done a great job from transitioning to art on a cart, and most recently back into the art classroom. Flexibility and willingness to go with what may come has been vital skills in this year 2020. As I close this semester, I reflect on how much I have grown and refined myself. I have been humbled, praised, and enlightened. In the future it's not about where I end up. It's about how I continue to deliver the lesson; what did the student learn, how will they apply that to lifelong learning? Selfishly, do they understand my passion for the visual arts, and because of that, do they have a similar passion? I understand that art is not for everyone but like any subject in school, there are takeaways for everyone, they just look different. Embrace the uniqueness, find the similarities, and reflect.
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AuthorI have a passion for the visual arts and love sharing it with others. I have enjoyed teaching all ages and love to incorporate art history and traditional disciplines as well as innovative ideas. Art is vital to who I am as a creator and educator. Archives
April 2021
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