Breathing Life into Art: Arts-Integration Across Different Subjects (History, English, Physics)

My first year as a teaching resident with KID smART placed me at The Living School, a high-school here in New Orleans. Prior to The Living School, I had only taught elementary and middle school art. However, I was eager to join the efforts of KID smART. Seeing as I believe high school is such an pivotal part of a child's schooling, I also find it  important to acknowledge that many high schoolers are interested in becoming artists. As a teacher, I wanted to model and represent someone who has and is making a career in art- especially when considering students’ upcoming transition into post-high-school life. 

In doing so, I had the pleasure of working and co-teaching with some amazing teachers this semester. We collaboratively implemented Arts-Integration into African American History, Physics, and English. Through this process, I learned so much. As a self-proclaimed “forever student”, Arts-Integration was a wonderful educational refresh for me (especially in the physics course!). 

In my African American History class, it felt really good to share some of the knowledge I have about Black artists and incorporating such into each era of art the students learned. So much of the Black history that is taught is traumatic, so I was very pleased to find that my co-teacher wanted to show the beauty, perseverance, and artistic renaissance black history also encompasses. Black history should, of course, be taught to all students- but most importantly Black and Brown kids. Working with my co-teacher to find that balance was very rewarding.

The English course, led in part by an amazingly supportive co-teacher, gave insight into how much 12th graders have on their shoulders. The art the students created, alongside their accompanying artist statements, were deeply evocative and sometimes heartbreaking. These highschoolers are not just preparing to enter the “real world,” they are already immersed in it. Yet, almost everyday, they show up with a smile on their faces. Don’t get me wrong- sometimes life can get the best of them- but in my eyes, the good always outweighs the bad. 

I am looking forward to what next semester (and new subjects) brings to Arts-Integration!