Week 1-2: Reflecting on being an Art Teacher

Being an art teacher is unlike any other position in education.  Art educators are able to blend together subject areas, make personal connections to the students life inside/outside of school, and teach students through the use of all five senses.  I believe teaching art to students is an honor.  In todays world, we are constantly surrounded by imagery and having the opportunity to teach students how to comprehend these visual messages and how to communicate their own ideas through the use of visuals is essential.  

Art is like a second language.  A language taken in through the eye and interpreted from within.  A language that is created within and expressed through the hands.  As art educators we have the opportunity to teach students how to express themselves through creation and how to use art as an outlet.  Perhaps, most importantly, we have the opportunity to teach students how to voice their opinions, ideas and emotions through art.  One could say we teach them how to "speak" with their hands.