Student Teaching Blog #7

The roles of teaching art and art education advocacy overlap in MANY ways. I think that in order to be a successful art educator you must be an art advocate. Support from parents and the community are instrumental in empowering the continuation of art programs in the education system. From what I have experienced through observation and my student teaching experience, the relationships with parents/guardians, the school community, and the larger community are incredibly important. Being involved and representing art in the PTA helps provide additional funds for art materials, field trips, and visiting artists to the classroom. Supportive parents who voice their positive opinions about the arts to administrators and higher parties are very powerful messages about the school. I ultimately believe it influences and strengthens programs. Volunteer parents/guardians were SO much help during Fine Arts Night. We would have never been so successful at exhibiting over 1800 works of art without them. This event was put on as a celebration of students expression and accomplishments. Sharing it with the school community and larger community is a reward for all involved. My cooperating teacher always informs a reporter at our local newspaper. Just in todays paper a parent wrote a WONDERFUL letter to the editor about our Fine Arts Night. The involvement of all these other parties are what the big picture is all about. Students art is such a reflection of their experiences, their community, and their life. Sharing it and involving others makes it all the more meaningful. Last Sunday, we had ceremonies for the students who are exhibiting at the Figge Art Museum. This was a great even and so many families were present. It was a definite plus for all involved with the schools as well as the Figge.