Every year is the best one yet.

There are so many things that happened this year that I could not have predicted and I am very thankful for that. Even so, there are some things I have yet to accomplish that I am very hopeful for in the coming year.

I do not have a list of resolutions, just a focus on wanting to be better, more positive, and hopeful for the "what ifs" that are both exciting and unknown. I know 2016 is poising itself to be ever better, but before I finally say goodbye to 2015, here are a few of the things that made it one heck of time in my life:  

This was the year I got back to making art on a semi-regular basis. It is funny to think as an art teacher I would have trouble making art myself. This year I made a point to carve out time to learn new techniques, paint paintings I have had in my mind for years, and explore what I love most: drawing. Here's to even more making in 2016!

This year was filled with sharing various tips and tricks for building, maintaining, and growing a great program. As a way to give back to the #artsed community that has helped nurture me into the teacher I am today, I feel it is important to share what has worked, what has not, and what is possible when you reach out, try new things, and let your students lead their learning experiences. FromMACUL, NAEA, AOE Live, #k12artsedchat, and finally MAEA, it was a blast to learn and share with teachers wanting to improve their craft, too!

​I already have some exciting ways I plan to share even more in 2016 (even as soon as January for ECET2 in San Diego), but I am very thankful for having the opportunities in 2015 to work both face to face and online with the best community I know! 

The biggest jump for me as a teacher has been from stepping back. I moved to a Design Thinking Process with students that focuses on making original works through the examination ofThemes. By allowing my students to take the lead when it comes to their learning, I have been amazed with how much more energized and excited I have become in the process.

​Instead of always knowing how things are going to turn out with each lesson, I am surprised with outcomes like a flowered-crocheted ski mask, golden venture jewelry, and many other new uses for symbols and materials that I might not have ever discovered without my students taking charge. I am so thankful that I took this leap into the unknown and am excited about the new discoveries to come in 2016!

Whatever 2016 brings, I know it will be greeted with a smile and a heart filled with hope. I had such a fun 2015 and am excited for whatever happens next! 

In between working on course materials for next Fall and other household duties that went underserved while working this past school year, I have been able to reclaim my inner artist and work on my own craft. It started out as gifts for former students (I always tell students that if they invite me to their graduation open house, I will make something for them as a gift) and has turned into a fun way to work on my drawing skills as I explore my own imagination. 

Thanks to inspiration from my former student Shelby, who received the top image on this page, I started drawing again and using watercolor as well. I think I might be on this kick for a while. It is especially fun to post progress images on social media and receive feedback from family and friends. I have even had a purchase request, which is also flattering.

I am often asked about what I am working on during the school year, like I have ALL of this other time to create my own art in the midst of prepping lessons, grading papers, writing assessments, and preparing work for shows, competitions, and other exhibitions. I have the "I don't have time for that" excuse, but I do not have a lot of time during the school year to really think about what I want to make because my obligation and duty is to my students and helping them figure out what it is they would like to make and say in their work. 

I love my job and really cannot imagine being better at anything else than teaching students how to create images in interesting ways, but I also am very thankful for Summer and being able to take advantage of this time to create on my own. 

I will keep posting work on Twitter and Facebook. If you have any ideas you would like to see me combine, please feel free to share in a comment. I cannot promise I will do it, but it is fun to read what is on others' minds.