How
long have you worked at Lucas?
I
have taught in the Iowa City Community School District for three years. I have been at Lucas all three
years. Prior to teaching in the
ICCSD I taught part-time at Willowwind, a private school in Iowa City, and as a
high school art teacher at West Liberty High School.
We are glad you're part of our Lucas community! Which grades do you
teach at Lucas? Do you teach in any other schools in the district?
I
currently teach at Lucas and Longfellow. I teach all sections of third, fifth, and sixth at Lucas and some
sections of kindergarten, second, and fourth. The last two years I split teaching art with Mrs.
McNiel, and this year I share
teaching with Ms. Gale.
Do
you and Ms. Gale ever work together? What kind
of relationship do you have with each other?
As
an art teacher in the ICCSD, we have regularly scheduled professional
development time where all the K-12 art teachers meet. We discuss best practice teaching
strategies, up-coming art shows, and curriculum. We also use the time to hone art techniques and sometimes
work with professional artists. It
is a great chance to connect with each other. I feel so fortunate to work with such amazing and talented
colleagues. Outside of these
scheduled meetings, Ms. Gale and I meet and talk informally. She is a great colleague to work with!
In
your opinion, why is arts education in elementary school so important? How does
it help students academically?
Arts
Education is critical for our students. It allows students to think creatively, express themselves, and to gain
self-confidence. Not only
does this help students academically, these are life-long skills important for
our children. My goal as an art
educator is to instill confidence in students, and to try to help them to
follow their passions as creative individuals.
I
imagine that being a teacher can be really challenging at times. Can you think
of an example from your teaching experience that makes you think “this is why I
do what I do”?
Everyday I have a moment where I feel “this is
why I do what I do.” The kids are
so amazing and open to trying new things. I really love it when every kid seems
to be in the zone, and they are coming up with creative ideas to solving
problems. Some of my favorite
times in the art room are when we have out lots of different supplies and the
kids are doing great using all these different supplies and tools - yarn,
sequins, pipe cleaners, glue, scissors, paint to bring something in their
imagination to life. I love
organized chaos!
Who
are some of your favorite artists?
I
enjoy using puppetry in my art teaching and in my own personal art work. Some of my favorite contemporary
puppeteers are Eulenspiegel Puppets, Heart of the Beast (from Minneapolis) and
Manual Cinema (from Chicago). I
have dressed up as Frida Kahlo at school the last few years for Halloween; she
is one of my favorite painters.
Puppets! It's easy to forget that art encompasses so much more than painting or sculpture. What
are some ways that parents can encourage art, artistic expression and art
education outside the classroom?
Parents
can do this by having lots of art supplies available for kids to use and by
letting them make a mess! Also by
modeling living a creative life. I am a strong believer that adults should take
time to create things, too. Beyond
that, trips to art museums and exhibits, seeking out beauty and wonder in
everyday life, and reading books about artists (there are a lot of great
children’s books out there).
Parents can also look for art camps and classes outside of school for
kids. LOC is lucky to have TWO
great art teachers, Sue McNiel and Cerina Wade, that offer art classes twice a
week.
And, of course,
proudly display all of your children's creations. :)
Other posts in this series:
