Why I Became an Art Teacher?

Why did I become an art teacher?

Well... it's totally because of this beautiful lady right here in this pic with me! This pic was taken of me and my fav teacher EVERRR at my Grade 8 Graduation, circa 1999.

Introducing... Miss Clarke (she has since been married and has a different name now), but I remember her, as Miss Clarke! Miss Clarke was my Grade 2 and 3 teacher, and she was also my ahhhmazing Visual Arts teacher all through my primary school days!

Miss Clarke introduced me to the world of art! She always planned the best art lessons where we had the opportunity to switch off, have fun and develop our art making skills. I can clearly remember just being so excited for each of her art lessons! Miss Clarke was the one who really got me into art! I quickly found out, that I was also quite good at it too. I was ok in school, (I'll be honest though I REALLY REALLY sucked at maths), but I think having art as my thing, really helped me to believe that I could be successful at something. Art gave me confidence, I felt proud of myself and my creations.

This is one reason why I believe that visual arts should be a bigger part in the school curriculum, what about all of those kids where art IS their thing! It might be the one thing that they are really amazing at! It could FINALLY be their chance to shine! Everyone deserves to shine in some way!

Miss Clarke taught me how to shine in the world of visual arts! She also inspired me how to be a passionate and creative visual arts educator! Honestly, if it wasn't for this caring and encouraging woman, I don't know if I would have found my 'thing'.

Miss Clarke, thank you from the bottom of my heart 💗!