I recently attended a back-to-school meeting where the presenter posed this question:
What other profession has the opportunity to “start over” fresh each year?
A
fresh start
each school year gives us a chance to fall in love all over again with our work. Loving what you do, and doing what you love, shape the work of an art educator. The presenter at my meeting sparked an interesting idea:
What would a love letter to the art education profession look like?
I’ve been falling back in love again with the work I do and thought you might want to take a moment to craft your own love letter and remember some of the reasons you have chosen this profession. I imagine it might be written sort of like this:
Dear Art Education,
I’ve know you for _______ years/months/days, and I’m still madly in love with you after all of this time.
Remember that student that no one else seemed to be able to reach, but in the art classroom they would shine?
Remember that time when I put up the display of student artwork, and the students were so proud (the parents too)?
Remember that time when I stayed up way too late, thinking about you, and making sure that I had everything ready to give you my best?
Remember how excited all of the students were about that project?
Remember when students used all of those pieces of recyclables and turned them into treasures?
Remember that student who never had, and then really did? Wasn’t that magic?!
Remember that feeling when a student felt successful/proud/resilient/passionate/reflective/expressive/empathetic/inspired in class?
Remember that time when I didn’t even have a classroom, or supplies, but still made it work?
And remember when I knew that this was exactly where I was meant to be?
You still give me butterflies.
I am so very glad to be a part of this.
XOXO
Signed,
_____________
I am also in love with the
FAEA Member Virtual Exhibition!
Submissions are being accepted through
September 4
th
. The Member Virtual Exhibition provides the opportunity for members to participate in a statewide, juried competition of their peers. FAEA proudly sponsors this exhibition to foster and encourage our members as working artists and we celebrate their accomplishments! All jurors are professionals in the visual arts field with expertise in the evaluation of art work for exhibition. Submit your artwork
here
.
I am eagerly awaiting the
66th Annual FAEA Professional Development Conference
in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida! Join us for the best learning opportunities for visual arts teachers in Florida on
October 18-21, 2018 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront
. Register
here
for conference and be a part of the state’s biggest gathering of art educators.
Lastly, congratulations and lots of love to the exceptional group of state educators and leaders that have been honored as
2018 FAEA Award Winners
. FAEA recognizes individuals within the membership who have achieved the highest level of professionalism in art education. FAEA honors and celebrates individuals or organizations that have contributed their services in an exemplary way to the association and to the professional goals we share. Please attend the
Awards Breakfast on Saturday, October 20, 2018
, to praise your peers and honor the important work they have accomplished. Tickets can be purchased
here
.
Looking forward to celebrating arts education, and each other, in St. Pete!
Lark Keeler
FAEA President