Reflecting as a Visual Arts Educator
It has been a long journey. I have taught thousands of kids visual arts as their official art teacher in over 10 NYC public schools. From as young as Pre-K toddlers to High School Seniors. It has given me an extensive set of instructional knowledge. After 20 years it's time to close that chapter and complete what I'd started almost a decade ago. We have to create our own opportunities if we see none, I would tell my students. Time to cross those portals I've created. I'll miss some of my kiddies for real. Reflecting back something I used to say to former students "Also bring your A game... you'll never know, I might be your boss one day". This has definitely come to fruition. As I pushed them to do their best what they learned about me is that I don't like "bootleg" maintain high quality work and ethic.
