Cobb Reporter

Georgia art educators recently convened at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, where Cobb County visual art teachers shared strategies for engaging students. Six Cobb teachers led sessions at the 2024 Georgia Art Educators Association (GAEA) Conference, providing hands-on training.

The attendees 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 educators demonstrated various teaching methods including basic art concepts and vocabulary, papermaking techniques, choice-based lessons, STEM/STEAM projects using shrink plastic, vertical collaboration, and grade-level discussions. The sessions aimed to offer new tools and insights for classroom innovation.

“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 value of sharing successful classroom ideas to inspire peers to explore new methods.

Kincaid’s art teacher showcased her "portable studio" setup designed for classroom flexibility. “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.”

Michelle Yoo emphasized building connections 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."

Laura LaQuaglia stressed the importance of such conferences: "not just for the content and techniques shared, but for building a community that strengthens each teacher."

Cobb County’s visual arts educators left energized with innovative ideas for their classrooms, demonstrating their district's commitment to fostering creativity in art education.