In this Staff Spotlight, we highlight a team member who is a true work of art—Amanda Staman, art teacher at Palmer Lake Elementary. She inspires students every day, and her passion for art education led her to the role of organizing and bringing back the districtwide art show. The D38 Communications Team recently talked with Staman to learn more about her love for everything art.
When did you start working as an art teacher, and what attracted you to Palmer Lake Elementary?
I began teaching art in 2012 in D49. I have been a Palmer Lake resident since 2013, and I love my small town community very much. I always wanted to teach at Palmer Lake as I wanted to teach my own community of children and spread the love I have for art. Luckily, in March of 2020, at the height of COVID and a global shut down, our former principal Peggy Griebenow reached out to me and informed me the position had opened up! I had reached out to her a few years prior and expressed my desire to work at the school. I didn't waste any time applying and was hired within a week. I was so excited and honored to start a new chapter of my teaching career at this special little school that was at the heart of my own beloved community.
As an educator, why did you choose to teach art instead of any other subject?
My grandma was an artist, and she taught me how to paint and be creative from the moment I could hold a paintbrush in my hands. I have a deep love for art and went to school to be an artist. I received my bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in jewelry in 2008. After graduating, I needed a new adventure in my life, so I moved to Vietnam where I taught English to Vietnamese children and adults for two years. I incorporated a lot of art in my teaching of English, and it helped my students express themselves and learn English in a creative way. When I came back to America, I went back to school and got my master’s in art education. I wanted to spread my love and knowledge of art to the young children of my community.
How do you use art to inspire your students and to help them feel like your classroom is a positive, welcoming place?
I always create projects where I know my students will find success. I break down my lesson with step-by-step instructions. I involve my students in the process of creating our projects, and I listen to what they want to draw and create. In my classroom, I assure them that we are all learning to be artists, and that it's okay to struggle and make mistakes. As long as they do their personal best, they should be proud of their work. I believe it's important that they experiment with different mediums and learn all the different ways to create art. Some students are great at drawing, while others might have a skill for sculpting. It's my job to show them all the fun and different ways they can express themselves artistically.
What is a favorite assignment or lesson you have shared with your students?
I have so many favorite projects that we have created throughout the years, so it's hard to narrow it down. My favorites are usually our 3D clay projects. One year, my sixth graders created their own tile mosaic creation. Every student's design was completely different and had to represent who they were as a person. Some created a sports theme, while others created their favorite animal. Each tile included carved and 3D parts. We then used mortar and grout to apply them to a wooden board. They were absolutely stunning, colorful, unique to each student, and super creative! The students loved creating them.
How do you advocate for art education?
Every year I include my school in the "Original Works" fundraiser. My students create fun and colorful artwork at the beginning of the school year, which is then sent off to the company. Our families can then order their student's artwork on magnets, mugs and other fun products to celebrate their student’s work. This activity has helped me raise significant funds to purchase good quality art supplies—something I think is so important for my students.
What are your priorities when instructing your students in art?
My priorities are teaching the students how to use different techniques with a variety of mediums based on the elements and principles of art. I teach them how to apply the fundamentals to their own artwork successfully and build their confidence as artists.
What makes Palmer Lake Elementary so special?
It’s the teachers and staff. We all support each other in such a positive way and work together to create a safe and successful learning environment. I am so lucky because I get to have all students from kindergarten through sixth grade. I get to see them grow up and develop into talented little humans.
You are playing an essential part in bringing back our districtwide art show. Why is this important to you?
Having a district art show is extremely important to me and my fellow art educators. We believe it's important for our school communities to come together as one and celebrate our young talented artists. It's important for our students to know we support their artistic expression and that it should be recognized. D38 art teachers work hard to teach our students how to visually express themselves. Their efforts and dedication should be honored and celebrated as well.
Check out our Fine Arts Calendar to see when you can visit our districtwide art show!