We all have had to adapt over these last few months, including our school systems. Not only have the faculty been personally been having to adapt, they also have had to find a way to keep all the students safe so they can go back to school.
Many recent new teachers embrace the challenges they are facing with fond memories of their teachers in the past.
“I had a High School Art teacher, Ms. Taylor, who really helped me find my voice. My hope is that I can repay that kindness and provide inspiration to the students here at ACS for years to come,” says Andrew Mcdougal, a new Arlington Middle School Visual Arts Teacher.
Mr. McDougal is a 33 years old graduate from the University of Arkansas and has been teaching art now for nine years.
“ . It is just so vital for students of this age to understand the modes of self-expression that art making can provide. Art has the ability to be unifying, self-affirming, and leads to greater character development as well increasing one’s capacity for critical thinking.”
He has been very happy with his transition as well as his student’s transition into the school year.
“Well we have created individual art bags that students will keep in their portfolios. We are a bit limited as far as mediums go, i.e. no ceramics or sculptural processes. That said, I think a lot can be accomplished through 2 dimensional mediums and I can’t stress enough the importance of reflection and the catharsis that artistic creation allows for in these times and it is just such a joy to be in the classroom creating with the students every day. The students are adapting surprisingly well. Everyone is following the guidelines rather well, and I believe we are all benefiting from the missed social interaction. Everyone seems very excited to be back in the classroom again.”
We are all glad that everything has been going well for you and your students and are glad you chose Arlington Community Schools to teach. We can not wait to see what the future will bring for you.
