Adopting a Growth Mindset as an Art Teacher: AME 134

Of the many daily challenges art teachers face, adopting a growth mindset may not be at the top of your list. Emily Gould, known as @sierramadres on Instagram, is a K-12 art teacher who has done it all.

Throughout her years teaching art, her one main focus is to never stop learning, always move forward, and do what’s best for the students.

Sounds like a good plan, right?

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

- What craftsmanship means to Emily, and how it plays a role in her career and teaching

- How the expectations she has for her students helps them grow as artists

- What can happen when people fall out of the creative habit

- The importance of practicing lessons you’re teaching before hand, and how this can help you make an art lesson your own

- The many uses of Emily's favorite, unique art supply: joint compound

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

1. What was your path/journey to becoming an art teacher?

My first art teaching job happened by accident...I had just graduated from art school, and I was sharing a painting studio with three other artists in Chicago. I needed a stamp because it was time to send the bills. There was an elementary school on the corner near my studio, and I remember thinking...a school could have stamps! So, I went into the school, and I didn't know I was talking to the principal. She said, "You look like an art teacher, and I need an art teacher.”  Maybe I looked like an art teacher because I had paint all over me?  I needed a job, so I told her..."Yes, I'm an art teacher!" I was hired! I immediately walked to the Chicago Public Library and checked out several books about teaching art (There was no internet in 1993.)

2. What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher?

Setting a standard of craftsmanship in the classroom that encourages excellence.

Two  summers ago our summer reading book was, An Ethic of Excellence: Building a Culture of Craftsmanship with Students by Ron Berger.

I've never thought "that's exactly what I think,” while reading a book as much as this one! Ron Berger is a carpenter, but also a teacher. He extends this idea of craftsmanship into the classroom. The book is all about setting a standard of excellence and how he inspires students to do this. I would recommend this book to all educators as an inspiration to revitalize the passion for excellence. The ideas in this book are truly inspiring and the educational goals are exactly what I strive for!

It’s also important to build an arts community, to keep faculty and parents aware of what is happening in the art room. Student artworks are displayed on bulletin boards and in our hallway gallery space. Every student has an online art portfolio or gallery at Artsonia.com.  Whenever an art project is completed, student artwork is uploaded onto an online school art gallery. It is always open for viewing and can be shared with family and friends internationally. Part of the art making process is getting your art out there to be seen! I’ve noticed that students work harder knowing that family and friends will see their art in school art displays or online.

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