Arts Advocacy

Being an advocate for the arts is a critical aspect of teaching art. Establishing a positive sense of community would be very difficult if the educator wasn’t thoroughly involved with art. Showing your students that you care about art and are passionate, it will encourage them to do the same. Teacher enthusiasm does not only benefit the students, but parents, colleagues and administration will recognize the passions of teachers. By being an advocate for the Arts, you’re setting a good example for your students, but also shining a positive light on the art program in your district. As unfortunate as it is, arts programs often don’t receive enough funding to provide a super outstanding experience. Establishing a school wide artistic community and getting students and parents to also advocate the arts will show the district that the Arts are important in your school.

When I think about teaching, I’ve always been excited about the extracurricular arts activities. Getting students to care about their academic work is important, but it’s also important to present to students the art world beyond the classroom. Trips to local galleries, art shows, and other art events were a rare event when I went to high school. I know how difficult setting up field trips can be, but even encouraging students to attend these events by just making them known would be beneficial.

Displaying art around your school is probably the easiest way to show support for the arts. Students are always making visual work, so there is more work than there probably is space available. Rachel Ayers-Arnone at South East Jr. High has done an awesome job presenting artwork in her school. Work isn’t just in display cases but on any blank wall available. Students will appreciate seeing their work, and if students expect their work to be displayed, it might encourage them to put more effort into their piece. However, being a super advocate for art could potentially be risky. It’s important that you stress the necessity of art in your schools without being irritating to the other staff. As great as it would be to have artwork everywhere around the school, it shouldn’t intrude unwelcomed into the space of other teachers. And if your too demanding of the administration, that could reflect poorly on the department.