"I am very honored and excited to be recognized after all these years and dedication to our students," Martinez said.
Martinez is a high school art teacher at Del Norte High School in Albuquerque NM.
When asked to discuss the importance of art education today, Martinez went on to talk about valuing our children's creativity and the importance of cultivating it. "Students need to be encouraged to voice and develop their creativity in the arts which will increase innovative thinking for our future," Martinez said.
Martinez took a community based approach to teaching art by organizing community and student collaborations. A series of public murals, sculptures and earth works were created every year that Martinez has taught art. After the completion of each project there were community celebrations that included the students, their parents, administration and the general public.
"Bringing art to the general public and providing access to the arts for everyone is a value I try to instill in our students," and "being able to spark student's interest in public art is an integral part of an art education," said Martinez.
Katie,
ReplyDeletecongratulations on your well deserved award. I think that the way you have been able to create a good working partnership with the community is fantastic and a great model the rest of us.
Keep up the good work.
Carlos
Katie, I am so glad that you feel so passionate about keeping art in the classroom! It is an important release for so many kids and I liked the way you related your article to art in your community and how important it is. I hope that one day you really do receive this award for continuing art education since it often removed from school curriculum.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your statement about valuing and cultivating creativity in our youth today. I think that art is an extremely important aspect of education and allowing children to express themselves. I especially like your idea about incorporating community involvement into the school through art! Fantastic! I am sure you will make an AWESOME art teacher! Del Norte would be lucky to have you!
Katie: I too agree that cultivating students creativity is important in any subjects that we teach. I think their is room to allow for students creativity in many different styles of activities. I think that you use of community and parental involvement is very important to share the students work and give them the support of their surrounding community.
ReplyDelete