 At Quincy Junior High School, art education is more than just creating beautiful pieces—it's about fostering creativity, building confidence and connecting with the broader community. Ken MacDonough, an art teacher for 6th through 8th grades, is at the heart of this mission. His approach blends traditional techniques with modern innovation, all while navigating the challenges and rewards of teaching art in a smaller community. In this interview, Ken shares his insights on how he engages with students, collaborates with other educators and stays current in the ever-evolving world of art education. Engaging with the Community Beyond the Classroom For Ken, art is not confined to the classroom—it's a thread that connects him to the wider community. "Every now and then I help with local projects, murals and meet with councils and leaders within the art community to offer input," he explains. These local projects not only allow him to contribute to the city's visual landscape, but they also serve as valuable teaching tools for his students, who can see the impact of their craft outside of the school walls. Within the school community, Ken’s artistic talents are put to work in various ways. "From painting and decorating bulletin boards to creating posters and signs for parties or gatherings, I'm involved in making sure the school feels like a vibrant, artistic space." His dedication to showcasing students' artwork in hallways and display cases helps to bring art into the everyday life of the school, reinforcing its value in every corner of the building.
Fusing Traditional Techniques with Modern Approaches A hallmark of Ken's teaching is his ability to blend the timeless with the cutting-edge. "Traditional techniques are important because they give students confidence to express themselves more freely," he notes, emphasizing the value of skills such as drawing, painting and sculpting. However, as technology continues to play a larger role in the world, he also integrates digital art into his curriculum. “With digital art becoming more prevalent, I feel it’s my responsibility to give students an introduction to the art skills most sought after by employers,” he shares. By combining the hands-on techniques of traditional art with the latest digital tools, Ken ensures that his students are well-rounded in their artistic education, ready to pursue both personal expression and professional opportunities. Teaching Art in a Small Community: Realities and Rewards While teaching in a smaller community can offer unique opportunities for connection, it also comes with its set of challenges. With nearly 1,400 students at Quincy Junior High and Ken serving as the lone art teacher, the logistics can be overwhelming. "Simply obtaining enough supplies can be a hurdle," he admits. Over the years, however, he has learned to be resourceful, using unconventional materials and even his own personal funds when needed. Despite these challenges, Ken feels a deep sense of support from the school district and the community. "Between parent donations and the annual budget I’m afforded by the school, I feel very supported. It's very clear to me that this school district and community highly value the arts," he says. This commitment from both the school and local community allows him to continue delivering quality art education despite the hurdles that come with being a small-school educator. Collaboration & Community in the Arts Ken is also a strong advocate for collaboration, both within the school and with community organizations. "I collaborate with teachers from other disciplines all the time," he notes. One of the standout projects he works on annually is a drawing contest with the history department, where he assists in judging student submissions. His collaboration with the 6th-grade science teachers is also noteworthy. "We worked together to create a mural that ties into their outer space unit, combining art and science in a meaningful way." His community connections extend beyond the school walls, too. "Rachel Roundtree at the Art Center has been amazing to work with," he shares. Together, they have hosted after-school art opportunities for junior high students, giving them more chances to explore their artistic talents outside of the classroom. Staying Current: Professional Development and Lifelong Learning As an art educator, Ken is committed to continually growing in his craft. He regularly follows blogs and social media accounts that provide valuable resources on lesson planning and the latest trends in digital portfolios. "As teachers, we are often given the freedom to choose our professional development track. When possible, I always select the sessions most closely related to visual art," he explains. Though he has not yet had the opportunity to attend the Illinois Art Education Association's annual conference in Bloomington, Ken is eager to expand his professional development in the near future. His passion for improving his teaching methods ensures that his students are always benefiting from the latest insights in the field.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Categories |
RSS Feed
