Everyone has a class that is their chill hour, a time to sort of unwind. For a lot of scholars it is their art class. A big reason why is thanks to the teacher creating a relaxed environment. Like, say Ms Lawson.
Recently she was announced as the the winner of the teacher of the month for February.
In case you haven’t had a class with her yet, Ms. Lawson teaches the Foundations of Arft and the Textile and Fiber Arts class.
“(Textile and Fiber Arts) involves working with soft mediums like sewing and embroidery, things like that,” she said. The students that take that class get to relax while learning to do new crafts with their hands. If you ask any student in that hour they would also say the fiber arts ultimately tests your patience and determination to finish a hard project.
Her favorite class to teach overall is fiber and textiles. “It iis the medium I love the most and what I do with my personal artwork, so I love to share it with kids your age who probably never worked with soft materials,” she said.
She also adds, on an important note, that she wants to teach others this ”because I feel like it is a dying art.” Many kids only learn how to sew because of a family member or are self-taught, so this class is a good opportunity for teens to learn different artistic skills.
Ms. Lawson was surprised when she heard she won the award for teacher of the month. “It felt like that honor would be bestowed upon someone who has much more experience and wisdom than I,” she said.
But there are no big surprises in how she won as she displays the school’s core values in her teaching and her classroom. “I want my classroom to be a very welcoming environment and I try to be kind to everyone that walks into my room or past my room… to make everyone’s day a bit better,” she said.
It is not only in her class that she displays these values, but also in the National Art Honors Society as well. It is a club that does not judge and accepts anyone who comes in. “Iit is more comfortable and a hangout space where people can feel welcome to join,” she said.
It is a space for no judgment, where artists at our school can come together no matter their skill level.
All in all, Ms. Lawson is a teacher who creates a fun and comfortable space at our school. She would like to say “thanks” to her “fans” (the students who elected her). “I am very appreciative to know that my kids value my room, my teaching, and who I am as a person”, she said. “I hope I am a small positive part of their day.”