This season, finding my gratitude in art and teaching.

Key points:

As an art teacher at a school for twice-exceptional students, gratitude manifests itself in many moments each day. Reflecting on my previous role in a public school, I often felt caught in a whirlwind, focusing on students who were not always fully engaged. But here I have the gift of time and connection. Small class sizes mean that I know each of my students personally, celebrate their voices, and help them realize their passions. I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire them, but even more grateful for the inspiration they provide me.

My students surprise me with their creativity and resilience. They're not just kids in a special education school; They are people who teach me new ways of seeing art and life. On our campus, we strive to provide students with a safe, therapeutic, and educational environment where they develop skills to become effective learners, gain personal insights, and acquire coping strategies.

One day, I might witness a student proudly show me his portfolio. The next, that same student could be experimenting with the sewing machine, struggling, but still eager to try something new. Little moments like these remind me that teaching is not a one-way street. While I am here to guide and support my students, I also learn a lot from their curiosity, problem-solving skills, and unique ways of thinking. It is humbling to know that they trust me to be part of their very personal creative journey. Our art classes often feel like art therapy sessions, where with each brushstroke or molding of clay, students learn more about themselves.

The close and supportive environment of our school allows me to practice a choice-based approach in the art classroom. This means that my students have the freedom to explore topics that resonate with them. Each semester, they choose an overarching theme that informs their projects, from personal identity or patterns in nature to social connections or studies of light and textures. This flexibility allows them to express their individuality and connect with art in personally meaningful ways. I am grateful to witness students who were once uninterested in art leave my class with renewed confidence and enthusiasm, often telling me that they now see the world a little differently or simply saying “thank you.” These gestures remind me that I am making the difference I hoped for when I decided to become a teacher.

My students' trips have changed me as an educator and as a person. They have taught me the value of slowing down, of taking a step back when a project is not working and rethinking the best way to support each of them. Your candor about your own struggles reminds me to be kinder to myself and practice what I preach about self-care and mental health. This was amplified when I returned to the classroom after having my first child last year. My students have become my teachers in many ways, pushing me to be a better, more compassionate person. They check in with me on tough days and ask if I'm putting myself first and using my coping skills. They give me a lot; It really humiliates me.

Balancing my role as a teacher and new mother has its challenges, but I am incredibly grateful for this career that drives me. My school is not only a place where I share my love of art, but also the place where I find my own creative outlet. Whether it's bringing a piece I made at home to show my students or chatting with them about our shared interests, this work keeps me connected to my passions beyond motherhood.

Every day I remember that I found my dream job here. I am grateful not only for the opportunity to impact my students, but also for the impact they have on me. In this season of gratitude, I carry these lessons with all my heart, knowing that our creative work together is an important step as my students work to reach their intellectual and social-emotional potential.