Download - First Year Review
1st Year Review Mindy Montgomery
When I entered this program in the spring of 2011, I had no idea what a
wild ride I would be in for! A year and a half later, I am tired, my hair is a little
unkempt, maybe a few more gray hairs , there are a few more bags under my
eyes, but I have so many new tools to take to my students on a daily basis. This
alone makes it a worthwhile experience.
I love my job, I often tell my students how lucky I feel that I have had the
chance to know each and everyone of them and to teach them art. My passion in
art education is instilling my love of art in my students. I love to see the look of
excitement in my student’s eyes when I can tell inspiration has hit them or that
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1st Year Review Montgomery
they understand that there is more to art than paint, brushes and a drawing pencil! It is amazing the things you can
teach your students without them having a clue! Art creates relationships when people create together; it teaches
history without students even realizing it. It relieves stress; it can be an outlet for the student who isn't good at
anything else. Art stimulates the mind and the imagination. Art makes you feel good. Children deserve a chance to
create art and to get the awesome feeling when they have created something amazing. I strive everyday to give that
feeling to each of my students. These are just a few of the reasons I love my job and learning more about art
education in this program.
The first class I took in this program was, Contemporary Issues in Art Education. What a whirlwind it
seemed like, learning about identity, critical thinking and visual culture. It was a blast in the face, just a sample of
what was to come! The next class I took was the digital art class focusing on mapping. My first thoughts were
“WHAT??? MAPPING?”, but as the course continued I began to see the connection. The contemporary ideas
presented tie into all of the concepts taught throughout every course. Each new course builds on the last and ideas
continue to grow. The ideals I entered the program with have been challenged and developed. I can truly say that
I have grown as an artist and an art educator over the past year.
I began my masters in 2004 at Miami University here in Ohio, the same place I received my undergraduate
degree. Due to having 3 children in 5 years I postponed my work. For a while I was upset that I had not continued
and wished that I just finished it up. When I went to go back the program was falling apart and not where I
wanted to be. I discovered UFARTED. I believe everything happens for a reason. Excitement and enthusiasm
and a love for art education is shown by each professor and I am inspired by each and every new idea presented.
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1st Year Review Montgomery
Applying the ideas we learn in my
classroom is of great importance, why learn all
of this information if we will not use it in a
meaningful way? I have begun to incorporate
more contemporary issues into the classroom
using visual culture as inspiration. The students
are drawn to many of the modern images I have
begun to share and discuss. I have also begun
adjusting some of my lessons to follow the
backwards design model to allow my students
to become critical thinkers. At first frustration
set in when I wouldn’t respond to questions
about, “Is this enough? Is this good?”, but they
are starting to understand and think critically
about their artwork.
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing my passion for art and education. I am excited for
what the next year holds and the research I will be able to conduct and apply in the classroom to better serve my
students on a daily basis.
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Artistic Development
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