A resolution to teach the very best we can

We art teachers are a unique bunch. Over my years of working with art teachers in many capacities and situations, generally only one thing stays the same. Some call it the artist’s disposition, artist’s mentality, or any similar term. It can be boiled down to the fact that internally we are artists functioning as art educators. We see the world from that vantage point, are generally more content working solo, and become engrained in our work, work ethics, and working style. It is all of this and much more that makes us what we are. It is also this package of elements that our student’s benefit from when they come in our classrooms from their daily routines of “accepted norms in academia” to explore and learn about the world through the eyes, hands, and souls of an artist. We would not advocate having it any other way.

As we begin this new era in Pennsylvania, there are many changes on the horizon in the world of education K-16 and beyond. Many are not clear at the time of this writing and many have been prescribed for us. From issues of certification to school funding to curriculum and standard integration we are living in an exciting educational climate. How will art education, art programs, and art teachers fare through these forthcoming changes? It is hard to say. Rest assured that your PAEA will be at the forefront of advocating our mission throughout what will occur with these changes. I challenge you to keep your representatives on the PAEA Board informed of what is effecting art education in your corner of the Commonwealth. Together, art education will continue to grow and flourish in Pennsylvania.

I also challenge you to take a reflective look at your teaching, your program, and your curriculum within the next few months. Are you doing the very best you can for the students you serve? Does your program reflect a high quality program that your students deserve? How do your constituents, their families, administration, and the like feel about the quality of the program you are delivering? How do you advocate quality art education within the reaches of your professional position?

Quality art education programs are worth defending. Students, Parents, Colleagues, and community members will come to the defense of a quality art program that meets the needs of the community, meets state and national standards, and improves the lives of students who go through it. There are many fine programs within this state. Additionally, there are some that are marginal or not successful. That is no secret and they are the ones that people who do not value nor realize the worth of what we do are quick to point out. If we take one of the old artist’s attitudes of “we have always done it that way” we are directing the path of our work to destruction. Let’s all be committed to making what we do the best we can for our student’s sake and for the advancement of all education.

Sometime wisdom comes from very unique albeit strange places in our lives. If you are old enough to remember Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes these words may be familiar to you.

“Wake up all the teachers time to teach a new way, maybe then they’ll listen to what you have to say. They are the ones who’s coming up the world is in their hands. When you teach the children teach them the very best you can. The world won’t get no better if we just let it be. The world won’t get no better, we have to change it now just you and me.”

Make a resolution to teach your students the very best you can in the coming year and beyond. PAEA is committed to help you in this very important job.

It’s all about instruction and learning.

Tom Kelchner