Evolving Classroom Lessons through Professional Development and Contemporary Art
When my family lived in Kuwait, we had a small window of time when shows on television were in English. It was “Mutual of Omaha” and a series of cartoons. While watching cartoons, I would create drawings of what I saw on television. When I lived in Kenya, our parents took us on a lot of excursions. We saw a lot of the country, and the animal sightings were spectacular. These experiences have traveled with me throughout my life and help influence how I develop lessons. It is experiences that make up the foundation for what I teach in the classroom. It is also from other artists and colleagues that we find inspiration for developing lessons. There is a lot that we have to offer from learning from each other.
In the arts, we have the opportunity to bring in the newness of what is out there. Art is always evolving, just as the lessons we teach are continually shifting to reflect what is happening in the world. Yes, we teach the skills, and what students choose to do with those skills is where the magic happens. Just like the students, what I choose to expose myself to influences what I bring to the classroom. Professional development opportunities further growth, and with all that is offered out there, when a professional development opportunity lends itself to sparking new concepts, well, I’m going to jump for it.
I first learned about Art21 when I was in college, circa 2008, through their impeccable documentaries. Art21 has an educator program that offers educators the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and work with featured Art21 artists, educators from all over the world, and the people who produce its docuseries. The Art21 program supports K-12 educators in any subject area in bringing contemporary art, artists, and themes into the classroom; it’s really quite awesome.
I applied and was accepted to the Art21 educators program for the summer of 2023. During my time in New York, I was able to work with like-minded individuals from all walks of life to investigate how we can engage students in broadening their understanding of the world through art. A highlight of my time in New York was the opportunity to visit artist Marela Zacarías’ studio, whose work is founded in her Mexican roots. Seeing how she brought her ideas to fruition was amazing, and it emphasized the practice of bringing meaning to one’s work. I follow this practice in my own classroom by asking students questions such as, “Why are you choosing this path in your artwork?” and “What does this piece mean to you?” In addition, Art 21 broadened my ability to evoke more curiosity and excitement in the classroom. Artists do more than just make things, they share a love of making art, they tell stories, they can spark change, the possibilities are endless. When I can tell students that the artist they are learning about is still alive, I consider that a win in my book. I also consider it a win when I can introduce them to artists who are tackling topics and questions about what is happening now.
The opportunity to seek out ways of growth through professional development affords me the ability to imagine the possibilities in the classroom. I am continually imagining what I could do better to help students develop a greater understanding of themselves and what they are capable of accomplishing. “If you don’t see the art that you make, invent it yourself,” said artist Jacobly Satterwhite. To this end, if I don’t see my pedagogy evolving, then I will go out to gain more experience to bring back the magic of what it means to be an educator.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
