Brianna Barton, Elwood’s new art teacher, is spending her first year of teaching connecting with Elwood students about art. Barton teaches elementary art classes, Art 1, Art 2, and ceramics. Prior to coming to Elwood, Barton attended Meridian Public School and then went to Hastings College for four years.
Barton said that there are many things she loves about teaching.
“One of my favorite things about teaching is getting to know students. Whether it be talking while they work on projects, being able to see and discuss their growth as an artist, helping coach a team, or high-fiving the elementary kiddos when I see them in the halls, being able to build positive relationships with students is an amazing opportunity,” she explained.
Barton says she is learning a lot, as well.
“I love how much the students are teaching me as well. There are always going to be new experiences, ideas, and viewpoints to hear about and share. I also love that I get to teach and partake in one of my favorite things in the world (art) all day long!” said Barton.
Teaching isn’t without its challenges, though.
“As a first year teacher at Elwood, I would say that my biggest challenge in teaching at the moment would be memorizing all of the students' names (as I have K-12 classes),” explained Barton. “However, I believe that I am making some decent progress!”
Outside of school, Barton said she enjoys baking, doing art projects (right now she is working on a watercolor painting as well as an oil painting), hanging out with friends, and being outside.
She offered some great advice for her students: “My advice for Elwood students is to be who you really are, and not copy what others do just to "fit in". Everyone is unique and special in their own way, so let that shine through you. Stand out in the best way possible by being your own person. Be silly, nerdy, kind, creative, and passionate about everything you love.”
Having finished her first quarter of teaching, Barton also had some advice for new teachers.
“Now that I am a little ways into my first year, my advice to a new incoming teacher would be to go with the flow. Not everything is going to turn out perfect or the way you expected. Take your "failures" as a learning opportunity to grow and adapt.”