A day in my life as an art teacher is a blend of excitement, challenge, and an ever-present desire to give my students the best experience I can. I arrive at work early—usually before the sun is fully up—so I can get organized and prepare for the day ahead. My school day is packed with energy as I teach over 1,000 students across seven grade levels. With such a large number of students, it takes over six weeks before I see every homeroom class again. It’s a marathon, but I love it.
My curriculum is designed to expose students to a variety of art materials and techniques while staying aligned with state art standards. I introduce them to famous artists, as well as local professional artists who bring unique perspectives to their work. Every project is a new adventure for my students, and I want them to feel like they have the tools to express themselves creatively. A positive, supportive classroom environment is the backbone of my teaching philosophy. I strive to make art class a place where every student feels welcome, valued, and successful. I work hard to learn their names, all 1,000 of them because it’s important to me that they know they matter. When I call on them by name, I can see their faces light up, and that always makes me happy.
The best part of my day is when students show their appreciation. Their hugs are the sweetest, and sometimes they even clap when I demonstrate something as simple as making a paper snowflake or showing them how salt can make watercolor paint speckle. These moments are what make all the hard work worth it. I also find joy in watching my students push through challenges—when they struggle, but then succeed, I see their growth and feel so proud of them.