A Hopeful Future

After two days of lively discussions about the role of AI in the creative process, exploring new tools, and an artist talk by Oscar Joyo, my time at the 2024 Illinois Art Education Association conference at Illinois State University proved to be intellectually stimulating and inspiring.

With two decades of teaching under my belt, however, my responsibility is not only to keep improving my own craft, but also to support others in the profession. My colleague and I presented trusted techniques for community and classroom mosaics, and opportunities for professional learning, including The Chicago Mosaic School, Oak Park's Off the Wall program, NEA and Fund For Teachers grants.

To conclude our artful weekend, we popped into the 2024 Faculty Biennial on campus. "I was just talking about you two!" a cheerful art education graduate student gushed as we entered the gallery. Having just attended our session, she excitedly showed us her notes and described her idea for a community mosaic to celebrate Arab Americans. 

Here we stood: a 40-year veteran, a mid-career educator, and a passionate pre-service teacher connecting over the joy and power of directly working with the next generation.

Despite worrisome data that says otherwise, perhaps with the profession is not doomed. With intentional relationship building, mentoring, and support, perhaps those of us with boots on the ground and eyes in the sky have the power to help save it.