This is very interesting thread. I would like to add that by teaching a
subject you become more knowledgeable in it...if you are a true teacher. If
you are not sure about some of the finer points of a concept you are
teaching, you research it so that you can relay correct and comprehensive
information.
I think many teachers(not just art teachers) do not educate themselves
once they have a job...They just press on teaching the same lessons year
after year because they work. I feel fortunate because I work in a county
that promotes professional development, and there are many resources close
at hand. There is no shortage of workshops provided by museums, other
educational institutions and the school system itself. While working for
such a large system sometimes has its disadvantages this is one advantage I
hold close.
I have found students that are trained at the Maryland Institute MAT
program to be very well prepared in the area of art concepts. [ Other areas
such as classroom management, budgeting, and organization of workspace are
on going as you develop you teaching style.] I was fortunate enough to
have a student teacher from this program last spring and he gave me a
workshop in teaching :o). You can learn from many different places and in
many different ways. It is important to keep learning all the way through.
That is the lesson that needs to be taught in college...how to continue to
grow and develop, and how to find resources in your area.
