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Lesson Plans


reply:art teachers that actually make art etc.

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
tgibbons (tgibbons)
Thu, 5 Dec 1996 00:46:25 -0600

Interesting question...yes, I think it's important and necessary to
make art yourself as well to teach art. At least it is for me. However,
I don't think it's necessary for every art teacher to create personally
at all times. Creative juices just don't always flow and every artist
has stagnant periods, or times when their concentration is on something
else besides their own work. Not to mention the fact that art teachers
probably all have their own favorite modes of self expression. And
here's a contradiction of sorts...I don't think it would be very easy to
excel at teaching if too much emphasis were put on constantly producing
personal work. (Can you imagine ignoring a class full of middle school
kids because you were too busy modeling your own work to guide them with
their own!) There are so many instances when there just isn't time to get
around to working on personal stuff due to the demands of class
preparation, etc. that I can sympathize.
That's where it gets frustrating...and I would imagine that this is
the main point for discussion. What to do when the urge to create hits,
and you're too busy with teaching to answer the call?????? Here are some
of the many possiblities...somewhat tongue and cheek!

1. Develop a bad case of insomnia and work at night. (wrinkles or bags
under your eyes
might add character to your next self portrait)
2. Give the class an assignment with a medium you've been wanting to
explore yourself so
you'll HAVE to make an example for the kids to relate to.
3. Discover a personal interest in an art form that your class already
uses regularly and
model once in a while. (haven't you always wanted to do a serious
finger painting?)
4. Pray for a snow day.
5. Pray for a second snow day.
6. Talk to another art teacher on the phone until the urge passes
(replaced by enthusiasm for a new class project that was suggested???)
7. Imagine that you've just been asked to do a nude portrait of one of
your least appealing
pupil's parents. (the urge to create is sure to pass!!!!!!!!!!!)
8. Paint a wall mural with sixth. graders after school ( You're
guaranteed to get to do some
personal work when you have to cover over the drips they'll make!)
9. Invite a visiting artist to class and fulfill your need for
self-expression vicariously.
10. Keep praying for snow days!

Maybe some of you out there could add to this list...a sense of humor can
really help... Finding some personal outlets and ways to incorporate
your own work into your teaching (without compromising your classes) can
be good for your mental health as well. Joining a local arts group or
taking a class helps me keep from feeling so guilty about taking time for
myself. And by the way, who ever it was that mentioned the Texas Tech.
Spring Art Teacher Retreat had a super suggestion...It's great for
dealing with this sort of burn out...I've been going to Junction myself
for years! Call Betty Street for info.


Terry Gibbons
tgibbons