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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