Teacher Tips
Do It To Teach It!
By Glenda Ross, NBCT
Oklahoma Art Education Association, President
Putnam City North High School
Oklahoma City, OK
"Those who can't do, teach." This statement had to be written or mentioned by some "unknown" or "anonymous" person. Forgive me for not researching it thoroughly to give credit.
I must admit I have been in conversation with art teachers who perceive product as the key to artistry. I agree it is valuably important. It resonates with the spectator. However, what the artist did to get to the end result is ever more the important key to art (art = the skill to do). How can one teach the end product without demonstrating the "skill to do?" Well, some believe they can. Textbooks and the Internet give many lessons for teachers to show their students on how "to do" without the teacher having to really demonstrate much doing.
So, is there a need for art teachers to be artists? Yes, it is a must. Original work exemplifies the self-governing problem solving (art process) for product. This autonomy of artistry process is fundamental to the "skill to do." Art teachers who continually demonstrate themselves as artists model to their students active processing that involves innovation, reflection, and judgment. Students cannot perceive this process from the product alone. Artistry is an act, first of autonomy, second of publicity. Even if students cannot appreciate a publicly displayed product, the process resonates with them no matter the age or level.
So, I say... those who can't do, (really) don't teach. Therefore, a tip: "Really do it to really teach it!"—Glenda Ross
Tips on How to Remain Active Artists
By Mick Luehrman, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Art & Design and Art and Educational Program Co-Director
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
It is important to keep the fire burning as an artist in order to continue to feed our enthusiasm for teaching. Actively working as an artist inspires students and raises our credibility with them, as well as with the community in which we teach. The following are some tips on how we can remain active as artists in the face of all the other demands on our time.
- Work on art in the classroom, whether they are demonstrations or personal independent projects. Have something in progress all the time. Display what you are working on so that students can see that you are passionate about your subject and engaged with it.
- Interact with your fellow art teachers in the school district and encourage each other's work. A monthly or bi-weekly meeting that includes sharing teaching ideas as well as showing personal work can help encourage and support art-making for you and your colleagues
- Take graduate studio art courses or enroll in studio art workshops.
- Join or start a local arts group that meets and works together on a regular basis. Being around other committed working artists is inspiring and supports your own motivation to keep making art.
- Set a goal of entering your work in juried art shows, whether local, regional, or beyond.
Art-making often ends up at the bottom of a crowded to-do list. Give yourself the gift of rediscovering what it is that made you fall in love with art in the first place. It's good for your psyche and attitude, which means it's also good for your students. Best wishes for a great art year!