Inspiring Virginia’s Art Teachers

By Mike Porter

Art teachers who enroll in Virginia Commonwealth University’s  Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Interdisciplinary Arts are passionate about the program, describing it as a life changer, a career saver and the best way to get an advanced degree affordably.

The 39-credit-hour studio art program, in existence since 1994, is offered jointly by VCU’s School of the Arts and Division of Community Engagement. Organizers said M.I.S. offers flexibility, allowing participants the independence to plan a program built around two focus areas. The student’s studies culminate in public exhibition of their work and a final paper documenting the work.

“Our program is extremely unique, comparatively affordable and exceptionally well regarded by teachers and art supervisors across the state,” said Edward Howard, director of Continuing Studies in the Division of Community Engagement.

The program allows art teachers from much of Virginia to take graduate courses close to home, offering an opportunity to pursue an advanced degree while continuing to work full time. About 25 courses are offered each semester, with about 10 teachers in each class. Classes are held in the Richmond area, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Williamsburg and Charlottesville. 

The opportunity to take classes nearby is what appealed to Heather Warstler, an art teacher at Sunrise Valley Elementary in Fairfax County. The 16-year teaching veteran has enrolled in M.I.S. courses for nearly a year and a half. She credits the program and instructor Ginna Cullen with renewing her passion in art and helping her branch out in new directions.

“This program is magical. It has motivated me and the fire is reignited,” Warstler said. “It’s helped me professionally to think outside of the box in motivating my students to think outside of the box. I have been strongly influenced by Ginna Cullen. She is one of the most inspiring educators I have ever encountered.”

Organizers said when high school students see how much the program has impacted their teachers they often become interested in VCU’s School of the Arts.

“The M.I.S. arts program helps to bring high-quality arts students from Virginia’s high schools to VCU,” said Sally Bowring, painting and printmaking instructor and M.I.S. administrator.

The program offers a wide array of courses. Spring 2011 course offerings include painting, printmaking, digital photography, pottery, sculpture and jewelry. There is also a course in teaching strategies for the 21st century.

Maripat Hyatt, who teaches art to about 500 students from kindergarten through the 5th grade at Ward Elementary in Henrico County, appreciates the exposure to a variety of art forms because she introduces students to all forms of art in her classroom. Hyatt completed the M.I.S. Art program in Dec. 2009 and agreed that the courses boosted her own creativity, making her a better art teacher.

“As a teacher, I knew how to take a method and teach others how to do it, but I didn’t feel like an artist,” said Hyatt, a teacher for 23 years. “The courses helped me to increase my own artistic self-awareness and broaden my abilities, which positively impacted my work in the classroom.” 

Many participants described the M.I.S. arts program as an affordable way to meet recertification requirements or earn advanced degrees. Some school districts provide financial assistance to help teachers pay for the courses.

Tanya Rogish, an 11-year veteran now teaching at Henrico High School, said the courses bring teachers together and they often stay in contact long after the experience ends.

“It’s important to share ideas and motivate each other,” Rogish said. “Through the courses, I know teachers from the city (Richmond,) Hanover and Chesterfield. And I met teachers from Newport News and Hampton who came to VCU for a summer program. They stayed in the dorm and we worked together. M.I.S. allows us to build professional relationships.” 

And as the program graduates more teachers, its reputation is growing statewide.

Last September, the Virginia Art Educators Association named Michael C. Gettings, a May 2010 M.I.S. graduate, as the Virginia Art Educator of 2010.

Organizers are now accepting applications for the M.I.S. degree program. The deadline is June 15. Visit http://www.community.vcu.edu/programs/gradart/interdisciplinarystudies.html for more information about the MIS Program, course descriptions or to preregister for courses.