Educators Present “Finding The Artist Within, The Student Within”

Recently Scotch Plains-Fanwood teachers and administrators unveiled their opening art exhibit of watercolor paintings showcasing their work and highlighting a new dimension of district Professional Development: “Finding The Artist Within, The Student Within.Ms. Barbara Prestridge, Park Middle School Art teacher, designed the workshop and this was their culminating event. This art exhibit provided an opportunity for the school community, along with the Board members, to view the work and discuss this unique form of professional development. Those who participated reflected on the experience of being a global student through the dynamics of combining artistic creation and personal expression. This initiative produced multiple benefits. Educators were provided with a hands-on arts experience in order to increase their understanding of the value of the arts in the curriculum, as well as to focus on ways of fostering creativity in themselves and in their students. Further, by understanding the complexities of creating art as a novice learner, this group of educators had a unique opportunity to reflect on ways this experience would help them in their own teaching.
One participant stated that this workshop was such a powerful experience that all district educators should participate in it because it involves entering the students’ perspective, appreciating the value of struggling, learning from one’s mistakes, and recognizing the importance of thoughtful and timely teacher support. Dr. Joan Mast, Assistant Superintendent who participated in the workshop, saw the tremendous value of providing an opportunity for teachers to experience first-hand what it’s like being a novice learner on the path towards expertise. The district plans to continue this initiative as part of an after school series of workshops open to teachers.