Ms. Chelsea Rose Jones – Ecker Hill Middle School
Our featured Art Educator is Ms. Chelsea Rose Jones from Ecker Hill Middle School in Park City, Utah. Ecker Hill runs our Original Program fundraiser in both the Spring & Fall each year. Here is what Chelsea had to say regarding her passion for art and art education.
How long have you been teaching art?
9 years.
What grades do you teach?
I currently teach 6th grade Visual Art at Ecker Hill Middle School.
So what was it that sparked your interest in becoming an art educator?
My interest in becoming an art teacher stemmed from the strong relationships I had with my own art teachers growing up. Both my middle and high school art teachers supported me as a budding artist and inspired my love of the arts. Even now, as an adult I still maintain healthy relationships with these mentor teachers who continue to influence my practices as an art educator. I would also have to say that working as a river guide for several years on the Colorado River helped me to build up my interpersonal and leadership skills, both of which are essential in the teaching profession.
Do you have a particular art medium you like to use in your classroom?
My favorite medium to use with my students is black Sharpie markers which I make available everyday for sketching and doodling in class. I find that most art students enjoy working with a variety of thick and thin lines in their designs and the Sharpies we use are ideal for this type of exploration.
Tell us one of the more memorable things that a student has done in one of your classes?
Watching a student who previously felt awkward or unaccomplished in the arts produce something that they love and feel good about creates the most powerful memories for me. My most memorable days are the ones when I leave work knowing that the kids had fun, that they are proud of the work that they did and that they were able to express themselves in a creative way.
Is there anything you would like to share with your peers?
I would like to share that the work we do as art educators is absolutely essential to creating a well rounded “education” for any student at any age. Art is universal, it transcends language, race and culture. That creative spark is an integral part of being human. Without those of us who continue to teach and inspire a life long love of the arts, our schools and students will be in sad shape. Our role as art teachers has never been more important as our planet is facing so many massive problems and so much imbalance. It will only be through creative problem solving that our world will heal and find solutions, and that my friends is our specialty.