Being a middle school Visual Arts teacher is important to me because it is one of the most rewarding jobs and it has become a deeply meaningful career. I never know what is going to happen that day in class but I do know that it will be dynamic and never boring!
Everyday I get to teach creativity in a hands-on way, literally! The visual arts are physical activities that reward effort, patience and determination. My students are building, shaping, and problem-solving in real time. I realize that I am not just teaching concepts, but I am guiding them through making something tangible from nothing. I have a quote in my classroom that says “Process Predicts Product” and we focus heavily on the journey, as well as the end project.
Middle school can be a turning point either to the Arts, or away from the Arts. A student who says “I’m bad at art” can create something they’re proud of within a few class periods. That shift—from hesitation to pride—is incredibly satisfying to witness and extremely joyful. For the past ten years, I have loved watching my students learn to grow.
