Houghton Academy

Eila Shea

Art (1987)

I see the main role of the art teacher at Houghton Academy to be, first of all, an artist that is currently producing work, to be a credible artist to the students. The students should have the opportunity to see the teacher’s work from time to time, helping them to believe that the teacher knows enough about the subject to be able to teach them about art and ways of making it.

Secondly, I see my role as a “scout”, looking for those students who have the talent and drive to “make it” in the art world. These students should be encouraged and informed to make plans for further education in art after high school. These are the students to encourage in extra ways, in terms of setting high goals in their work, especially for the projects that will be in a college portfolio.

I recognize there are those who are taking art because it is fun, or because they need an elective and they don’t like any other choices. For those students, I try to help them learn some basics about art and even guide them into taking Art History, a kind of art appreciation course. In the future when these students see the world of art that is out there, they will have background that will help them come to view this art as familiar. Perhaps they will enjoy the trip to a museum or the real place, like the Colosseum in Rome, even more, if they have studied it in class.

This year I teach fourteen classes a week, with 85 students spread over three studio classes 3 times a week, seventh grade classes twice a week and art history classes three times weekly.

As a teacher in a Christian school, I look forward to opportunities to share my faith in God with my students. There are times when we discuss spiritual issues related to the art we are doing or studying. I am always honored when students come to me with problems or questions that they have, related to their own spiritual journey. Most of all, I try to live the example of a Christian life before them, showing the fruits of God’s Spirit in my life. I view teaching as a privilege, a gift that has been entrusted to me by God. I pray for His strength, wisdom and love, to enable me to be the teacher I want to be each day, for His honor.