It is difficult to articulate how things have changed, because looking in my classroom, it might be difficult to see that anything has changed. Many of the things that we discussed in class (giving students voice and choice) were things I was already somewhat doing, but not always consistently or with purpose. It has been empowering to have the gut instincts and values that I have as a teacher reinforced and supported by scholarly evidence. Now I can defend my choices and beliefs with powerful supportive evidence to an admin if needed instead of opinion.
The changes I have felt are more of a paradigm shift than any radical change in my instruction. I had to look back at my first blog post, because the change in mindset feels so natural, it is hard to remember a time before. It's like putting on new glasses and everything is clear. I am starting to question not only if my hispanic/latino and LGBT students feel comfortable and safe in my room, but if they feel REPRESENTED. I have made an effort to show students more artwork that is diverse, and to have them research more before they begin a project. We had our National Art Honor Society induction last night, and it definitely hit what Molly K. was talking about last class about how teaching is hard, but there is nothing else like it or as rewarding. When our president gave his address to the new inductees, he discussed how we are a family in NAHS and how amazing it is that we are a diverse group that helps each other grow, and all voices are valued even if they are of different races, sexualities, genders, and backgrounds. It was so rewarding to know that my vision for this space that I needed when I was in high school is now a reality for a new generation of students. Maxine Green was a powerful bookend to to the content for this semester. I found myself internally yelling "YES!" so much it was like an Herbal Essences commercial. Her words were so timely that I was shocked when I looked at the copyright and saw it was published in 1988. I am convinced she is a prophet. A quote that stood out was "Little is done to counter media manipulation of the young into credulous and ardent consumers-- of sensation, violence, criminality, things. They are instructed daily, and with few exceptions that human worth depends on the possession of commodities, community status, a flippant way of talking, good looks. What they are made to believe to be the "news" is half entertainment, half pretenses at being "windows to the world." They witness political realities played out in semi-theatrical or cinematic terms. They watch candidates being marketed and withdrawn. In the midst of the marketing and the sounds of sitcom shotguns, there are opportunities to become voyeurs of starvation, massacres, torture. And the beat of MTV goes on and on." So powerful, and maybe more relevant today than the day it was written. It is so amazing to know that art can help students break through and become.
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AuthorMorgan Singleton is a secondary art educator with a Master's degree in art education. Archives
April 2017
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