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Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. ~Pablo Picasso

Thoughts for the Teaching Artist is devoted to an ongoing exploration of the role of the arts in education. I believe that the arts are an integral, essential part of every person's education. Arts education develops 21st Century Learning Skills, supports all core subjects, creates empathy & builds bridges, and helps develop voice & vision.

The views expressed in Thoughts for the Teaching Artist are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other persons or organization.



Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Begin Again

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop. ~Lewis Carroll

The first day of school is here.  For Teaching Artists who work in schools, the early rhythms established by our own school days come back to us with ease. We who spend our lives in schools have the satisfaction of completing one year, with all its triumphs and disappointments, tying it up in the neat bow of commencement and putting it on the shelf.  Another year behind us.  A great year, a not-so-great year, it really doesn't matter, for whether we are sorry or thrilled to see it end nothing can make it last a moment longer.

Some might then have a summer of rest, or move on to other work for a season.  Perhaps we travel, or putter at home, or dive into our own artistic projects with enthusiasm.  But at the end of that season, the old familiar feelings return. It's time for another year. Another crop of students.  New ideas are born and old assumptions challenged.  The real new year arrives, not with the false gaity of New Year's Eve champagne and party hats, but with the serious business of books and lectures and brown bag lunches.

The first day of school is here, and it is time to begin again.

2 comments:

  1. ...and teaching like you do it is an art unto itself! Every year a new masterpiece. Thank you for blessing our world doing the great work that you love so well, Master Rice.

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  2. To all who share this profession, Break A Leg in the new year! (Darcy, you may have taken it one step too far). Thanks for continuing to inspire us all.

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