Faulkner Lifestyle April 2019~Anniversary Edition

choice of imagery and materials. It allows students to express
and showcase their creativity. Also, giving them choices helps
keep them intrinsically motivated and encourages them to take
true ownership of their work. It also helps them to see there is
more than one way to solve a problem,” she says.
As for recent student projects, Kinsey says, “My third graders
have been working on one-point perspective. We have
discussed how math and art are related and have worked on
using right angles in our work. Last week a child said, ‘Math
and angles make sense to me now!’ That was a big ‘win’ for
me that day! I try to help my students develop their work ethic
and craftsmanship as well. Because I only see them once a
week, some projects may span over a month. Helping them
see the importance of sticking with a project to completion is a
huge part of my job. Perseverance with their work is a skill that
will help them in every area of life.”
Of course, teaching elementary age students has its comedic
moments. “When I was about 32 weeks pregnant with my
daughter, I was in front of the class teaching about color
patterns. I prepared some visuals to help them understand
and was running back and forth with large pieces of colored
paper to explain how a pattern repeats. After I was done, I
asked if they had any questions. A fifth grader in the front row
raised his hand and said, ‘I just want you to know that if you
fall, and that baby pops out, I am not catching it!’” Of course,
that caused an uproar of laughter. I don’t remember how I
recovered from that statement, but it sure was funny!”
A more sentimental memory is from her time at Conway
High School. “A group of senior students threw me a going
away party, complete with gift cards and notes expressing
how much my class meant to them and made their senior
year more fun. I have those notes framed in my current
classroom. They help remind me that at the end of the day,
it’s all about changing students’ lives for the better.”
Outside the classroom, Kinsey works on personal art.
“I enjoy large-scale acrylic painting and am working on
a couple of projects right now. My favorite imagery is
nature inspired.” When asked what advice she would offer
a young person who wanted to become an art teacher,
she encourages an openness to various artistic styles. “Try
to work in as many mediums as possible, so you have a
wide base of content knowledge. Also, volunteer in church
youth groups or with nonprofit youth organizations, so
you are comfortable around kids. You can be an incredibly
talented and successful artist, but if you do not know how
to communicate with, inspire, and instill confidence in your
students, you will not be nearly as effective a teacher. The
best teachers show students the way and make them believe
they can get there.”
Kinsey believes the arts are important to overall student
education by helping them think independently, develop
opinions, and express themselves creatively. “These skills
are important for all students, no matter what career they
pursue. Also, the arts give some students a safe place to
shine. Not all kids enjoy being in the spotlight but still need
an outlet they can feel confident in.”
Kinsey adds, “I love working in a school district where the
arts are supported and encouraged! My job isn’t easy, but it
is fun and never, ever boring!”
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