2011 Texas Art Education Association Convention
Presenting on Globally Inspired Art & Teaching Abroad. Love the Power Point on my clothes and face!
Why do we need to have conventions for teachers? I'll tell you why. We spend a few days immersed in our content area, sitting by and networking with fellow educators, gleaning ideas, getting free products, curriculum ideas, learning how to advocate for our field within the school system, and....rejuvenated as a teacher! I've gone for quite a few years to the annual convention and I wouldn't miss it for anything! I suppose there are some who come for purposes that aren't so professionally related, but I come to be immersed in what I do. You see, I want to be a teacher who is always challenging my students, always on the cutting edge of broader ideas, and growing myself. You are never too old to learn!
I've met some wonderful educators here from all over Texas. I've enjoyed meeting Faith and Susan from a school in Dallas and exchanging ideas with them. I've enjoyed meeting members of the planning committee and assisting with set up for the convention. And, I've enjoyed getting to see fairly new friends Nancy and Bill, incredible educators, who already seem like old friends I've known forever. I find that teachers have a way of encouraging each other. At least, art teachers do. Art teachers are pretty good at positive emotion and transferring that to fellow teachers. I've also enjoyed all the gallery shows from state students, the artisans market where fellow teachers set up their artwork to sell, and, of course, the commercial exhibits where I had a smile on my face as I was given bag after bag of new product to use and try and share with my students.
My students are going to enjoy some of the things I've learned: Bookmaking, handmade papermaking, using a particular brand of self-drying clay from Texas soil, using an epoxy clay, making beautiful pottery using math tessellation's, using a new reusable acrylic paint, and some general teaching tips and master educator ideas. We are going to be busy in the art room. I just mentioned a few things!
I also presented at the convention. I've presented for many years at TETA and served on the planning committee and state board. This was my first time to present at TAEA and I really enjoyed it. You see, I truly believe that a teacher, a true teacher, can teach a 2 year old or an 80 year old. It was really rewarding to "teach" my fellow educators. I presented twice. The first presentation was on Globally Inspired Art & Teaching Abroad. The second presentation was on my recent trip to Cuba with the National Art Education Association. The presentations were well-received, but even more importantly, they opened up a dialogue with a room full of teachers that was meaningful and relevant in our growing, shrinking world.
I really love what I do. I get up each day going to a job that I truly love. Sometimes I wish I had more energy than I do, but...hey....that couldn't be because I just turned 50? No. Probably just didn't get the sleep I needed the night before. I had some incredible teachers that invested their time and knowledge in me. More than that....their love and concern....and a desire for me to learn and grow and have a meaningful life. Some aren't with us anymore...and a bunch of them are my friends on Facebook! It is my desire that when my life is over that I can look back on it and know that somehow, in someway, large or small, that I made a difference in the life of a child. I think the world is getting a bit strange to live in and we need more educators who are teaching for "Passion" and not just a "Paycheck."
The convention has been thought provoking and has given me so many ideas. Looking forward to getting back to the school to share with my students.
Hand made paper: Made from trash paper, chocolate kiss candy wrappers, botanicals, and other components, the Saxx representative teaches us how to make handmade paper. My 4th grade students are going to love doing this for January bookmaking project. I can't wait!
