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Lesson Plans


Re: Requirements for an art teacher

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Jasmine Preston (jdp30)
Fri, 20 Nov 1998 17:15:54 -0600

I don't believe being an "artist" is necessarily a requirement for an art
teacher. What exactly does being an "artist" mean anyway? There are many
types of artists. What makes a fiber "artist" qualified to teach ceramics
or a cartoonist to teach sculpture. I don't know about you, but I have
taught and will continue to teach many art processes that I didn't learn at
school and don't do at home on a regular basis.

The label "artist" isn't necessary, but I don't believe just anyone can
teach art. What then, is it that all art forms have in common? What
baseline skills are necessary to teach any art class? I believe that one
of these skills is personal experience in the creative process---ANY
creative process. The creative act, making our mark on the world, is
painful, frustrating, time-consuming and glorious. It takes someone who
has been there to inspire others to make the journey.

There are many activities that allow personal experience in creating.
Teaching is certainly one. I approach each new class as though it is a
blank canvas. What can I do to insure that all children are successful,
what new tricks do I combine with old skills to inspire this bunch? The
more students that leave my class believing they can "do" art, the closer I
am to creating a masterpiece.

What other baseline skills do you think an art teacher should have? Visual
awareness and sensitivity? Knowledge of art history and vocabulary?
Curiosity? Tolerance? Let's not do a wish list, but a true analysis of
the essential skills. Any thoughts?

Jasmine
jdp30