One Teachers’ Voice-Frank Chin
September 13, 2009Thinking Differently as an Arts Educator in 2009
Frank Chin, Skowhegan Middle School art teacher
Frank Chin is a middle school visual arts teacher and department chair in Skowhegan School District. He has been teaching for 31 years, an Art Teacher of the Year, and is constantly working to improve his art of teaching and creating. Recently we exchanged emails on the changes we’ve seen in education during our careers.
In Frank’s words…
Change is not always easy, especially at my age. However, making the move from elementary to middle school plus being appointed department chair makes teaching interesting. Above all, the kids that I see grow to 14 years old is such a miracle! They keep me young and laughing. I am truly blessed to have them in my life.
Our school district, especially in the middle and high school want every teacher to use technology; Study Wiz, Power teacher, Moddle, etc. to enhance teaching. Not all teachers especially the older ones like this “invasion” of their space. They also are the ones that do not attend conferences, which stunts mental growth. I have some staff members that rarely go outside of our district. Many are using the same teaching style/process/lessons from many years ago. It is called “safe” and “complacent”.
I am working hard with the career counselor to have art admissions people speak at our annual career day college fair coming on October 5th. I am also asking the high school teachers to put their lessons and objectives on our homepage so the community can see what we are all about.
Perhaps you’d like to make a comment or contact Frank directly @ fchin@msad54.org
me arts ed 
I find your comments on the professionalism of your staff too true in most districts. I too am an art educator in a small k-12 school. As one who attends conferences constantly, takes classes, teaches teachers, I can not understand why one would not want to stimulate ones own mental growth in education. Unfortunately even Art Educators often fail to keep up with times and resist this professional growth. Recently at the MLTI Team meetings this was also the basis for the fall meetings. Hopefully all this discussion around and enthusiasm with technology will too inspire some to step up to the bar and beyond. Don’t teachers realize we being unprofessional with poor teaching practices are hurting our students?
Thanks Debi for your comments. You walk your talk and the ongoing learning opportunities have kept you current in best practices. It is true that your involvement with SEED, MLTI and the numerous other professional development opportunities impact who you are in your classroom and in representing arts educators. And throughout the years you’ve been recognized for your accomplishments starting with Maine Art Educator of the Year. It is a honor to associate with you and I look forward to seeing you at the statewide arts educators conference The Arts Connect! I am sure your workshop will be outstanding.
Hi Deb,
I think it is all about “comfort zone”. If one is comfortable, they are reluctant to change even if means a better “fit”. Technology is a way of life. I just need to convince some that it should be a part of their life too. Speaking of conferences, I will see you soon at the Point Lookout conference, Northport, ME