Q: I’m a professional artist and art teacher. I firmly believe the arts are every bit as critical to a functioning, healthy society as core subject areas, for so many reasons.
To name a few, they teach students how to think creatively and solve complex problems. They develop students’ self-awareness and improve their critical-thinking skills, focus, and self-confidence. Research has even shown that kids who are involved in arts education perform better academically. The arts give students a window into different worlds and build their cultural awareness. Participating in the arts makes students more confident and better prepared to work in a globalized society. They also acquire greater emotional intelligence and the ability to constructively express emotions, often collaboratively, at a time when mental illness among kids is spiking. I could go on, but you get the point.
I’m frustrated because my district undervalues and underfunds the arts. They recently drastically cut funding to the arts (again) for next year. Looking at the big picture, that means there will be fewer staff members allocated to teach art and therefore fewer art courses.
That’s a big problem, but I’m writing now because I’m trying to solve a practical, more immediate problem. Due to these cuts, I won’t be able to obtain many of the materials and resources I use to teach my courses. I want to make sure I spend this summer considering every possible way I can continue to provide my students with a rich learning experience. I have some ideas, but I would love to hear yours.
I’m also open to ideas about how I could convince the powers-that-be to properly fund the arts over the long haul. Thank you.
A: Good thing you’re an artist and — as you noted — your training has equipped you to think creatively and outside the box! For that same reason, I reached out to other art teachers for advice.
Your training has equipped you to think creatively and outside the box!
Here are some of their suggestions:
- Network with other art teachers in your district to see how they’re dealing with these challenges.
- Reach out to the district-level administrator who oversees your department for support and guidance.
- Solicit donations of recycled and upcycled items and do a unit on arts and sustainability.
- Ask students and parents to donate unused (or gently used) art supplies they happen to have on hand.
- Apply for grants related to arts education, perhaps through local art councils or the National Endowment for the Arts.
- If your district permits the practice, create wish lists or use a crowdfunding platform such as GoFundMe, DonorsChoose, or Kickstarter to collect supplies and raise funds.
- Encourage students to get creative, whether they organize bake sales or hold art auctions to raise money,
- Reach out to local businesses, such as art supply stores, for donations. You also could reach out to companies that support educational initiatives and might be willing to partner with the district,
- Use found objects, such as everyday items and things found in nature, to create art. (And have students help identify and collect those items)
When it comes to the bigger picture, consider collaborating with other art teachers to present data to the district that underscores the importance of arts education. You also could partner with colleagues who teach other subjects and assign students multidisciplinary art projects. Beyond forming alliances with teachers, you could solicit support from parents and local artists. You could ask students to testify at Board of Education meetings and write letters to school board members about the many ways that participation in the arts has enhanced their well-being. And you could make students’ work and its value more tangible by showcasing it publicly, both online and offline.
Whatever you do, I hope your advocacy and creativity not only help your students have a positive experience in the upcoming school year, but also lead to more enduring support for arts education in your school district.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phyllis L. Fagell
Phyllis L. Fagell is the school counselor at Landon School in Washington, D.C., a therapist at the Chrysalis Group in Bethesda, Md., and the author of the Career Confidential blog. She is also the author of Middle School Matters and Middle School Superpowers, available at https://amzn.to/3Pw0pcu.
