I'm not surprised that the student body chose you to speak at their graduation. From all I've read in your newsletters, you are exactly what these kids need to inspire them to live creative, and fulfilling, and kind lives. Kudos to you and those kids.
This was a pleasure to read, Michael. It's lovely to hear how inspiring you've been to your students. Your advocacy of the role of art in our lives is as strong as ever. Nice way to remember Sly Stone, too.
I love that you included a piece of your art here! It’s beautiful!
I love what you have written here 1000%!!! The world needs more teachers like you! As an educator (I teach college writing and film classes) as a fellow misfit in high school, and as a parent of several misfits who thrive on art, I loved reading this so much!
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Kristin! I apologize for my late reply; we are currently on a road trip, and most of our campsites don’t have cell service.
From one fellow misfit to another, long live the arts and all who sail with it! 😊
This was lovely Michael. I wish I’d had more teachers with your philosophy when I was a kid. I went to a private all-boys school filled with old school British teachers, very much dominated by fear and shame.
The Pink Floyd lyric “when we grew up and went to school there were certain teachers who would hurt the students in any way they could by pouring their derision upon anything we did, exposing every weakness, however carefully hidden by the kid” was on prime display throughout much of my schooling.
I came out of school believing I was no good at art, taught by a teacher who was a good artist in his own right but who seemed to have little to no interest in anyone but the most obviously talented students in the class.
I promised myself that in retirement I’d give artistic pursuits a chance because I believe that we all have some artistic ability within and it’s just a matter of finding our medium. On Saturday Tina and I took a beginners crocheting class (challenging, but I’m gonna stick with it) and I’ve been looking into a stained glass course and a weekend basket making workshop. Mosaics and print making are also on my radar. I’m looking forward to stretching myself and leaning into a new type of creativity.
Thank you, Mark! My wife said similar things about her art teacher. When I first started teaching in England, some of those old-school teachers were still hanging around. I never understood their philosophy of teaching. For me, as a kid, I always learned better when I was enjoying what I was learning and having fun doing so. To have a tyrant as a teacher seems the exact opposite and sets one up for a power struggle, which is never good.
I am so pleased to hear you are pursuing various arts and crafts classes. I'll be interested to hear about your printmaking class when you take it. There are many different techniques, but my favorite is relief printing. It's also always popular with my students when I teach it.
It sounds like things are going very well for you and Tina. When we next return to the UK to visit family, I'll definitely reach out!
How wonderful that you have influenced so many students (and now others through your speech). The email was lovely.
"Ethereal Synchronicity" is beautiful and fascinating. Ideas and themes popping out in just a short viewing.
The industrial model of education is finally falling apart, and none too soon. But some were in the vanguard all along, taking us in a new direction, like you. We're going to need you in creating something meaningful going forward!
Thank you, Ellen! Walking up to the stage to give my speech felt like the longest walk, EVER! My heart was beating fast, and I was so nervous! I took a deep breath, and once I started talking, it felt natural.
I know things are going to have to change with education. Between the insanity of college tuition here in the US and the rise of AI, something has to change. Personally, I hope we begin to see more support for trade schools and stop trying to push every kid down the 4-year college route. What works for some doesn't work for everybody. The pressure and expectations placed on children from such an early age aren't healthy.
Thank you, also, for your comment on my little watercolor painting. It's one of many that I did during the COVID lockdown. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
I'm not sure I can articulate my thoughts on your watercolor, but to me it speaks of positive, organic, and comforting connection between two living beings. I find the colors enticing and reassuring. I wouldn't want to interpret beyond that.
Thank you, Margaret! That makes me sad to hear it is becoming more devalued in the UK. However, I am not surprised, as the arts are often the first to be cut in budget shortfalls here in the US.
For the past several years, I have also had foreign exchange students in my classroom, almost always from Europe, Asia, or South America, and most tell me they have no art classes in their schools! 😢
Getting a painting "out of trouble" is such a great way of putting it—because in truth, you are guiding it. I love being in that place; for me, that's where the actual making of art begins. I'm just getting through a maze right now and am excited about that.
This was beautiful, Michael. I love your teaching philosophy. Art can indeed open up a world of possibilities, especially as a student. It’s got so much value in and of itself but also as a means to explore history, culture and social affairs.
I also love the fact you are teaching your students skills they can take to whichever path they choose to take. For example, in business and the start-up scene (seemingly “so far removed” from the arts world), there’s this premise that the idea in and of itself is not what matters most, but its execution. Art can teach us so much, about ourselves and the world, and give us invaluable skills.
Thanks, Andres! I agree that art teaches us so much about culture, history, ourselves, and the human condition. But there are also decades of reliable data that prove it benefits students cognitively, emotionally, academically, and socially. I honestly can't think of one other subject that can tick all those boxes.
I'm not surprised that the student body chose you to speak at their graduation. From all I've read in your newsletters, you are exactly what these kids need to inspire them to live creative, and fulfilling, and kind lives. Kudos to you and those kids.
Thank you for your kind words, Deborah! 🙏
This was a pleasure to read, Michael. It's lovely to hear how inspiring you've been to your students. Your advocacy of the role of art in our lives is as strong as ever. Nice way to remember Sly Stone, too.
Thank you, Richard!
I love that you included a piece of your art here! It’s beautiful!
I love what you have written here 1000%!!! The world needs more teachers like you! As an educator (I teach college writing and film classes) as a fellow misfit in high school, and as a parent of several misfits who thrive on art, I loved reading this so much!
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Kristin! I apologize for my late reply; we are currently on a road trip, and most of our campsites don’t have cell service.
From one fellow misfit to another, long live the arts and all who sail with it! 😊
This was lovely Michael. I wish I’d had more teachers with your philosophy when I was a kid. I went to a private all-boys school filled with old school British teachers, very much dominated by fear and shame.
The Pink Floyd lyric “when we grew up and went to school there were certain teachers who would hurt the students in any way they could by pouring their derision upon anything we did, exposing every weakness, however carefully hidden by the kid” was on prime display throughout much of my schooling.
I came out of school believing I was no good at art, taught by a teacher who was a good artist in his own right but who seemed to have little to no interest in anyone but the most obviously talented students in the class.
I promised myself that in retirement I’d give artistic pursuits a chance because I believe that we all have some artistic ability within and it’s just a matter of finding our medium. On Saturday Tina and I took a beginners crocheting class (challenging, but I’m gonna stick with it) and I’ve been looking into a stained glass course and a weekend basket making workshop. Mosaics and print making are also on my radar. I’m looking forward to stretching myself and leaning into a new type of creativity.
Thank you, Mark! My wife said similar things about her art teacher. When I first started teaching in England, some of those old-school teachers were still hanging around. I never understood their philosophy of teaching. For me, as a kid, I always learned better when I was enjoying what I was learning and having fun doing so. To have a tyrant as a teacher seems the exact opposite and sets one up for a power struggle, which is never good.
I am so pleased to hear you are pursuing various arts and crafts classes. I'll be interested to hear about your printmaking class when you take it. There are many different techniques, but my favorite is relief printing. It's also always popular with my students when I teach it.
It sounds like things are going very well for you and Tina. When we next return to the UK to visit family, I'll definitely reach out!
The power struggle thing was real, certainly for me as a disaffected and rebellious teenager.
Not sure when the printmaking is gonna happen but I’m keeping my eye out for upcoming classes in the area.
Please do reach out next time you’re back in the UK, would be great to connect!
How wonderful that you have influenced so many students (and now others through your speech). The email was lovely.
"Ethereal Synchronicity" is beautiful and fascinating. Ideas and themes popping out in just a short viewing.
The industrial model of education is finally falling apart, and none too soon. But some were in the vanguard all along, taking us in a new direction, like you. We're going to need you in creating something meaningful going forward!
Thank you, Ellen! Walking up to the stage to give my speech felt like the longest walk, EVER! My heart was beating fast, and I was so nervous! I took a deep breath, and once I started talking, it felt natural.
I know things are going to have to change with education. Between the insanity of college tuition here in the US and the rise of AI, something has to change. Personally, I hope we begin to see more support for trade schools and stop trying to push every kid down the 4-year college route. What works for some doesn't work for everybody. The pressure and expectations placed on children from such an early age aren't healthy.
Thank you, also, for your comment on my little watercolor painting. It's one of many that I did during the COVID lockdown. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
I'm not sure I can articulate my thoughts on your watercolor, but to me it speaks of positive, organic, and comforting connection between two living beings. I find the colors enticing and reassuring. I wouldn't want to interpret beyond that.
I love this, and you have articulated your thoughts perfectly. Thank you for sharing! 🙏😊
A great post Michael. Art education is so important and becoming more and more devalued in the UK.
Thank you, Margaret! That makes me sad to hear it is becoming more devalued in the UK. However, I am not surprised, as the arts are often the first to be cut in budget shortfalls here in the US.
For the past several years, I have also had foreign exchange students in my classroom, almost always from Europe, Asia, or South America, and most tell me they have no art classes in their schools! 😢
It’s so sad.
Getting a painting "out of trouble" is such a great way of putting it—because in truth, you are guiding it. I love being in that place; for me, that's where the actual making of art begins. I'm just getting through a maze right now and am excited about that.
Thanks, Jamie! When you are finished with it, I'd love to see that "maze" you were stuck in!
This was beautiful, Michael. I love your teaching philosophy. Art can indeed open up a world of possibilities, especially as a student. It’s got so much value in and of itself but also as a means to explore history, culture and social affairs.
I also love the fact you are teaching your students skills they can take to whichever path they choose to take. For example, in business and the start-up scene (seemingly “so far removed” from the arts world), there’s this premise that the idea in and of itself is not what matters most, but its execution. Art can teach us so much, about ourselves and the world, and give us invaluable skills.
Thanks, Andres! I agree that art teaches us so much about culture, history, ourselves, and the human condition. But there are also decades of reliable data that prove it benefits students cognitively, emotionally, academically, and socially. I honestly can't think of one other subject that can tick all those boxes.