Cobb Reporter

Georgia art educators recently convened at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, seeking guidance from Cobb visual art teachers on student engagement and inspiration. Six Cobb teachers led sessions at the 2024 Georgia Art Educators Association (GAEA) Conference, providing hands-on training on various topics.

The educators from across Georgia heard from Michelle Yoo of Keheley Elementary School, Kerri Waller of Simpson Middle School, Patricia Rausch of Kincaid Elementary School, Nicole Gaut of Palmer Middle School, Julie Denison of Kell High School, and Laura LaQuaglia, Cobb’s Visual Arts Supervisor.

These experienced educators shared techniques on basic art concepts and vocabulary, handmade papermaking, choice-based lessons, STEM/STEAM projects with shrink plastic, vertical collaboration, and grade-level discussions. The sessions aimed to offer fresh ideas and strategies for classroom improvement.

“Presenting at GAEA and other conferences makes me a better educator,” said Ms. Waller. “It gives me the opportunity to work as a leader in my visual arts community.”

Waller highlighted the significance of sharing successful classroom ideas to inspire fellow teachers to adopt new methods.

Kincaid’s art teacher introduced her "portable studio" setup during her session to bring flexibility into traditional classrooms.

“Teachers attending my local workshops encouraged me to present. They felt the portable studio was an unexpected and unique approach to the standard curriculum,” Ms. Rausch shared. “My experiences presenting at GAEA have helped build confidence in my craft and given weight to my voice when I share my insight and expectations for the importance of visual arts in the public school system.”

Keheley’s art teacher emphasized the importance of connecting with peers: “Staying connected with other educators is key to keeping my classroom practices fresh and engaging,” she noted. “The GAEA conference brings together art educators from across the state to share ideas, best practices, and mutual support. It also gave me a platform to showcase the successes of Keheley’s visual arts program and my students’ achievements with my peers.”

The GAEA Conference provided a community committed to visual arts education with resources and inspiration. Cobb’s Visual Arts Supervisor stressed how critical such conferences are for content sharing and community building that strengthens each teacher.

Cobb County's visual arts educators left energized and ready to implement innovative ideas in their classrooms, demonstrating their commitment to creativity and excellence in art education.