MA Art Education

 The Early Years

            My art education journey began from the time I became an older sibling. As the oldest of five children, I was always playing school, coming up with lessons, and teaching my siblings how to read or draw. Inspired by my art teacher Ms. Green in Kindergarten, I would imitate her lesson plans with my three younger sisters and brother. In first grade, I won an award at my school for an artwork. Feeling proud, I knew I would one day be an artist. 

            As I grew up, art became less a part of my life. I began playing basketball and doing ballet. My family moved three times during my elementary school years, and I was exposed to a lot of different teachers. Teachers were magical to me. I was in awe of how they could inspire and work with different students. I knew that one day I would be a teacher. 

            Finally, my family settled in Lilburn, Georgia. My high school art program was wonderful, and I began taking Art I as a freshman. I reconnected with my passion for art, especially art history. My teachers encouraged me to take more art classes, and I went on to take Art II, Ceramics, Photography, before taking AP Art. 

The College Years 

            Although my parents were supportive of my interest in art, they thought that I would be better off pursuing teaching as a career. I began college at Georgia State University, taking classes for a degree in early childhood education. Sophomore year, I took an Intro to Studio class. I loved it and realized the possibility of combining both teaching and art into a degree in art education. I changed my major and began taking art education and studio art classes. I fell in love with painting, especially oil painting. Learning about contemporary artists inspired my work. It was then that I made the connection that contemporary artists are so rarely taught in art classes, yet they are so relevant to our world today. I knew that when I began teaching my own art classes, I would strive to include a majority of contemporary artists. 

            Student teaching was where I fell in love with art education. Putting my ideas and learning into practice with real students, I taught contemporary artists and came up with ideas to inspire. My co-teachers were incredibly helpful, and I learned so much about running a classroom and how to differentiate learning. Even with the busy schedule, teaching elementary school was my happy place. I began seeking out teaching positions in the elementary schools in Atlanta. 

The Teaching Years 

            Finding a teaching position in a public school was not easy. Teachers in districts all over Atlanta recently experienced lay-offs due to budget cuts. I decided to look for alternative teaching positions and found an after-school program called “The Color Wheel”. They were looking to hire a part time drawing and painting teacher. The Color Wheel philosophy aligned with my beliefs, that through art, children can attain a sense of self-empowerment that is integral to the learning process in all areas academic, social, and beyond. I interviewed for the position and started teaching there. That opportunity was a blessing. I had the chance to write my own curriculum and work closely with other like-minded art teachers. During the two years I spent working there, I was able to fine tune my philosophy and expand my knowledge. I loved teaching at The Color Wheel, but knew it was not sustainable for me financially and I wanted to seek out my dream of running my own classroom. 

            When the budgets improved for Atlanta area public schools, I applied to as many positions as I could. I landed my first public school teaching job at a Title I school in Dekalb County, Chapel Hill Elementary School. Due to the teacher lay-offs, I would be starting the art program from scratch. The school was in a predominantly low-income community, and I knew it would be challenging to work in a school like that, however, I was ready for the challenge.

            The principal had just resigned, and the new principal, Lawanzer Smith, hired me. Lawanzer had a great impact on my teaching. She showed me what true perseverance looks like and supported my program like no other school I have taught at. She worked closely with me and was not dismissive of me as an art teacher. Lawanzer gave me what I consider some of the best teaching advice. She told me, “Whatever you do, never stop teaching. There are going to be tough times. But keep teaching through it because this is your calling”. I taught at that school for 3 years. Then, I landed my dream job. 

            Fernbank Elementary was a school I had always dreamt about. It was in a community in Atlanta that I adored. The teachers were so cool and young. The arts program was fully supported and respected by parents and teachers. There was an art teacher’s assistant that was funded by the PTA. When I received the call that I was hired, it was a dream come true. 

            Everything about Fernbank was magical. The students loved art. I had an unlimited supply budget and an assistant, so I was able to do a lot of different techniques. There was a S.T.E.A.M. lab, and I worked closely with the science teacher to integrate art into science. I was able to meet other art teachers in the district and share lesson plan ideas. It was at Fernbank where I began to experiment with Teaching for Artistic Behaviors (T.A.B.). This has influenced the way I teach to this day. 

            Sadly, after two years of teaching there, my husband got a call that he needed to be transferred to the New York City office for his work. We had to decide, and even though I was sad to leave, I was excited for a big opportunity. I transferred my teaching license to New York State and applied for jobs in the NYC DOE. To my surprise, I was hired immediately at a school in Queens. I have been able to use my prior knowledge and continue to challenge myself to grow. 

            After the pandemic, I decided I wanted to build on my experience in order to provide my students with the highest quality art education, so I applied to master’s programs. I accepted the offer at University of Florida, and it has been life changing so far, and I am only one semester in.