SBRANFPOTS@aol.com on sun 7 apr 96
Vince certainly hit a nerve with his statements about teaching and courage.
Though I have never thought of myself as particulary courageous when it comes
to teaching, it most certainly is an awesome responsibility. Vince bases his
observations on his experience on the university level and I certaily agree
with his view. However, as someone who has taught on the college level as
well as the high school level I must say that the degree of influence a
teacher has in the life of a high school student is in many ways much greater
than one has over a university student. It is certainly much different. Do
not misconstrue, this is not to diminish or make less important the role or
influence of the university or art school teacher. I for one have been
forever affected by some of my college teachers. I have been teaching on the
high school level for over 20 years, (18 years at the same school) Kids come
into our department and my program virtually empty of experience, knowledge,
expectation, and attitude, but not necessarily free of bias, prejudice and
pre-judgement about what we are about to expose them to. Its not that they
have necessarily been void of art or craft experiences, but most have never
taken a formal course or been exposed to art under the influence of a teacher
that is a practicing, professional artist. Essentially, we have the power and
responsibility as teachers to be the initial shaping influence in their
attitudes towards art, craft, and the value and importance of handmade
objects. And we have not yet even broached the subject of what you want to be
when you grow up! Everyday that I go into the classroom I think about what I
am about to do and how I might affect the future of my students. Courageous?
I don't know about that, but a responsibility? Yes. Something to be taken
lightly or with less than a most serious attitude and approach? Absolutely
not. Is art or craft the most important thing in my student's lives? For
most, not yet, for most, not ever. And that is one of the important things
for a teacher to remember. While the subject you teach may be the most
important thing in your life, you can't be an effective teacher if you teach
it like it is the most important thing in your student's lives. That's enough
for now. It's too late at night to go on in a coherent fashion. I trust
the'll be more comment on this most important subject to many of us. You
should hear what some of my student's parents have had to say over the years.
Gosh, many of my former students are parents! Good night.
Steve Branfman
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