me arts ed

High hopes for a really great year!

Here we are, Labor Day weekend. I know that many of you have returned to school, some with students and some waiting until Tuesday for learners to come rushing in. I’m confident that with the changing of seasons gradually upon us that your school year is going to be spectacular. I love seeing messages on facebook, instagram, texts, and in emails from friends listing the number of years that they’ve taught. It signifies so much pride in teaching. Like hanging your college degree framed on the wall of your classroom, or better yet outside the door of your classroom. The message it sends: I’m proud of my degree in education and proud to teach in this classroom/school. Teaching is the noblest of careers and we all aware that today, it can be challenging.

This weekend, I was together with some friends who are retired teachers. We discussed how easy it is to forget the impact we’ve made on students. Recently they bumped into the parents of former students and they gushed about how fantastic they were and the difference they had made in their child’s lives. I pulled out my portfolio recently and read some letters and cards from former students. My emotions rose and because of the tears streaming down my cheeks I was forced to stop. Rewarding feeling? You betcha! I hope that you are saving the notes that you receive!

My School Year

My time and responsibilities have shifted. I’m grateful to be continuing my involvement with education, in many different ways. I return to substituting, continue to blog, communicate with educators in Maine, the US, and around the world. My connection with HundrED continuously provides ‘food for thought’. Reading educational material and listening to podcasts keeps me updated on research and opinions. One of my favorite podcasts is The Growing Band Director with Kyle Smith who teaches at Westbrook High School. I’m preparing for a keynote that I’m giving at the New England League of Middle School (NELMS) conference in March so I’m thinking about it often. I serve as the editor for two Maine publications, if anyone is interested in writing please let me know. I enjoy visiting classrooms and communicating with teachers. I especially like to connect to learn more so I can write blog posts highlighting the amazing work going on in classrooms. Reach out to me if you’re interested.

My art making has become important to me. In a few days I’ll post about an exciting collaboration that was just published. I’m thrilled to be part of a planning committee in my town for our Sestercentennial – 250 years! We’re helping to bring arts education residencies to Union Elementary School. One with dancer and musician Chrissy Fowler from Belfast Flyer Shoes. She’ll teach the students, K-6 contra dancing and we’ll have a school and community dance. The second with musician and music educator Scott Dyer who is writing my town’s history as a musical. He’ll be working with all the students to learn and perform the history for the school families and greater community. It’s all very exciting.

My commitment to quality arts education for all students become stronger every year! We all know the power of the arts to engage student learning and to appreciate what makes us each human. If you’re a teacher of visual and/or performing arts education you have the power to make a huge difference in a positive way for young people. The arts are an avenue to helping students make sense of the world. They are a necessity not a luxury, not only for the ‘talented’ ones but for all students. They deserve the best from you and everyone with a stake in our children’s success must see arts education as their cause. Access to and opportunities to an excellent arts education is critical and at the heart of excellent education.

Please know as you start (or continue) with your school year that I am excited for you and jumping for joy and wishing you the very best school year. I am grateful that you’ve chosen education for a career! Happpppy New School Year!