Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1205100
1) What makes a great art teacher? A great art teacher is like with any teacher; it starts with connecting with kids in a way that builds relationships. Great teachers build respect and inspire students to find their passion. It doesn't matter if you're an art teacher or an english teacher— whatever it is that you do— it's about being able to build relationships with kids: that's the most important thing to me. It's all about relationships 2) What's the most important thing for students to learn from your class? The most important thing for students to learn from my class is how to direct their learning process. When students learn how to empower their process, they own their learning. There is no stopping them when they discover they have unlimited potential. 3) Do all students have the potential to be great artists? Every student has the potential to be a great artist. They have to decide if they want to take on the challenge. If you're going to be a great artist—a great anything—it's about finding that passion and learning how to accept a challenge and take steps to achieve. 9) What's been most rewarding about your career? The relationships. That's why teachers are in education. That's what it's all about, that's why you do this. You have to love kids. You have to want to be with them. 10) What's been most frustrating? The most frustrating thing has been building support for arts funding over the years. Things are getting better. The research is out there that shows how art education impacts overall achievement. Students' engaging in the arts raises academic achievement across the board. Students that are building community in the arts build cohesion within their communities and stay connected to the world as a whole. People are starting to see how arts and creativity are valuable. 11) What would you tell students wanting to become professional artists? Keep your eyes and ears open to the world around you. Observe everything and stay connected to your passion. Work hard and keep at it. 12) What advice do you have for students wishing to pursue a career as art educators? Keep it real: Start with knowing your students and building strong relationships. The Art of Teaching: Q & A With Award-Winning Art Teacher Sheila McHattie Natrona County Education Association (NCEA) member Sheila McHattie has been teaching art for 41 years. An award-winning educator, Sheila's been recognized across Wyoming and the nation. She's received the Wyoming Secondary Art Educator Award, the Wyoming Art Educator Award, and been named the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Pacific Region Secondary Art Educator of the Year. Now, on the verge of retirement, Sheila reflects on her career, her longtime WEA membership, and her words of advice for the next generation of art educators and students. "Become involved in advocacy. Participate in your community events. Go to a play, or an art gallery, or a concert. Talk to members in your community about your experiences, and why they were enriching or valuable. " 12 | WEAnews