So....just what is the job of an art teacher?

I am writing this in response to Victoria Wylie who posted a question on the KyAEA Facebook site asking..."What is my Job?" I loved the answers already given to her by many of our members but I too decided to do a little reflecting on this big question. As the art teacher for a school you are the heart of the school. " You set the beat of the school.",Debi West. Your classroom is a safe place for students to create and express themselves. You teach skills and problem solving that can be used in all of their subjects. You also impart your passion for art as you teach and your students rekindle your passion to create art. Your curriculum can vary based on the many processes and wide spectrum of choices for your projects. Helping high school students to find their own "Art Voice" has been one of my greatest challenges. Let the new national standards give you direction. Whenever you have a chance for PD with other art teachers, or attending a state or national conference take advantage of it. Remember each art teacher is different and will teach in different ways. So, you are writing your own story as an art teacher. You are an educator first of all and working together with other educators in your building will make you stronger, your program stronger, and your entire school stronger. Sometimes this can take time....friendships take time to grow. I offer all of these words to you after 20 years of teaching and serving students in 10 different schools. Teaching art can be whatever you choose to make it! Your story is not written yet so hang in there and remember, it's all about the kids.