Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1349911
"At the beginning of the year, my 2nd through 5th- grade students created mandalas," said Gustafson. "We focused on the calming and meditative nature of them. In a school year that is so different from any other, I wanted my students to start the year off with a sense of peace and knowing that we can find respite in hard times." I am a WEA member because I understand the importance of a professional organization that lends a collective voice and a seat at the table. The advocacy work that WEA does on behalf of educators is second to none. "Strong in her convictions about the importance of art education, Gustafson is also an active advocate for arts in school. "One of the most important parts of being an exemplary art teacher is advocacy," said Gustafson. "A big part of teaching art is pushing stakeholders to understand that art is not a "fluff" subject. Everyone—from legislators to district admin, to classroom teachers, to parents, and most importantly students—needs to understand the value of art." As budget cuts decimate programs across the state and threaten the future of adequate education funding, Gustafson worries that the arts may become among the first targets for cuts. "I am concerned about continued funding for arts education locally, statewide, and across the nation. As we have seen in the past, the arts become the first and "easiest" thing to cut, but it can be the most detrimental to kids," she said. "The main thing that people can do is reach out to their local legislators about the importance of education funding in general," says Gustafson. "I feel like people see legislators as untouchable, but they are elected officials who work for the people. They need to hear from constituents in all areas of the state about the dire ramifications of cutting education funding further than it has already been cut. There is no more fat to be trimmed. A strong and fully funded education system helps to keep the arts, physical education, counselors, career/technical education, library skills, and technology in kids' hands," Gustafson said. "It is important to teach the whole child." Paige Gustafson working with a student. 2016. 9