How to Rock Your First Year Teaching Art: AME 129

The field of art education is often overlooked as a viable career in most school counseling offices. Many college students aren't even aware that the profession exists. Today's guest, Kelsi Quicksall declared Communications as her major until a quiet suggestion from a loved one opened up a world of possibilities.

Now into her second year teaching art, Kelsi has a passion for teaching, a love and connection to her students and a strong following on Instagram.

She absolutely radiates positivity!

Get to know Kelsi Quicksall!

 1. Can you share how you got started as an art teacher?

It took me entirely too long to realize that teaching art was a viable career option, and a super rewarding one! I always loved art and school. I considered myself an artist, took all of the art classes in high school... but for some reason, it wasn't portrayed to me as a realistic career.

It wasn't until I found myself feeling out of place in my first major in college (Journalism) that I stumbled upon Art Education. Quite literally, too- I was in the car with my boyfriend at the time (now fiancé) after class, rambling about how I didn't know what I wanted to do with my future. He looked at me and my crazy outfit and said, "You know who you remind me of? Me elementary art teacher. You even dress like her. You ARE an art teacher!"

After than, I made the switch to study Art Education and it all clicked. I graduated with a minor in Mass Communications (having started college in Journalism) and still enjoy media and writing, but mainly sharing on social media!

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

My best attribute also is my worst... I have high expectations and goals for myself and my students, but I'm also a procrastinator. As a result of both, I work extremely hard at the last minute to put things together that meet my expectations. I hold my students to high expectations as well, and they create amazing work as a result! The downside of my "attribute"? Lack of time for anything else like eating, breathing, sleeping... just kidding, kind of.

 3. What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students?

Get silly! I have been told I have a ton of energy. With minimal amounts of sleep, I don't feel like this is true, but I guess the coffee is doing it's thing. I find that when I am super enthusiastic and excited about something (a "new" art media, artist, technique, project, art show, etc) that energy is transferred to my students. I thrive off of their feedback.

I use a microphone to enhance engagement- most would think it's for my students, but it's also for me. I love using that thing. I've been asked why I don't just use a hands free mic set (often provided by schools), and the answer is because I love holding the microphone and taking the "stage". I even have a second microphone for students- they are more likely to want to share with the mic! It really enhances engagement when we're analyzing artwork, sharing what they see/think/feel/wonder, or just what we've learned.

If I notice that they're not excited, I know I need to make changes. If I ever feel like I'm "losing them", I immediately go for silly. Silly accents, songs, and call and responses really work for my students. As the great art educator Cassie Stephens always says, "silly sticks." It's so true!

 4. Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important?