Creative, driven, compassionate and a “Jill of all trades” are some of the words we would use to describe Danilack Middle School art teacher, Rachel Albert.  It’s no surprise that her class is a favourite among students who look forward to learning and creating alongside Ms. Albert. Read on to hear about what inspires her, and how she aims to inspire each and every one of her students.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT ASSOCIATED?

I am the Art Department Head and the Student Activities Coordinator at Danilack Middle School.  I also help to run the @discoverdanilack Instagram account, helping to expand the window into Middle School and give our parents a glimpse into some of the wonderful things that happen here.  And of course, I am the Grade 6 and 7 art teacher! 

As the Student Activities Coordinator, my role is to facilitate programming with either teacher committees or student committees.  We run various special programs related to chagim, bullying prevention and awareness week, fundraising initiatives and more.  

YOU HAVE WON SEVERAL AWARDS RECENTLY.  PLEASE TELL US ABOUT IT!

Outside of school, I am lucky to work with the Art of Education University.  They provide relevant professional development and resources for art teachers specifically.  I have learned so much from them over the years which I am able to bring to AHS to help enrich the art program.  

As I have become more confident as a teacher, I have started sharing my own experiences with Art Ed U., by presenting at their online conferences.  Twice a year, over 2,000 art teachers from all over the world attend these virtual sessions– it’s incredible and exciting to be able to learn from others and share my learning back with them.

When I started at AHS, I developed a Stop Motion Animation unit.  I presented on that unit at one of the Art Ed Conferences and now that unit is being used by teachers all over the world and I have been able to work with some of these teachers to help write the curriculum.

At the most recent conference, ArtEd Now, I won two awards for my presentation: People’s Choice and the Comedic Relief. It’s a huge honour and I am so proud to be able to share some of our amazing art curriculum with teachers all over the world.

WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?

I want every one of my students to look forward to coming to my class.  I put everything I can into making sure that happens for each of them. I know that not every student is going to gravitate towards art, but my goal is to make sure each of them can find a way to connect to what I am teaching so that they feel a sense of accomplishment.  It’s amazing to watch a student learn and master a technique that they didn’t think they could do and then realize that they can. Just seeing my students excited about coming to my class is the most rewarding thing for me. I find ways to connect to each and every child to bring out the best in them. 

My students are also my greatest influence and inspiration.  If I am having trouble reaching one, I will work night and day to find a way to connect with that student.  I try to stay current and relevant so that I can connect on their level. I take their feedback and engagement on particular units to heart and adapt accordingly.  The learning cycle works both ways that way.  

WE’VE RECENTLY PIVOTED FROM IN-CLASS LEARNING, TO ONLINE LEARNING DUE TO COVID-19.  CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU’VE ADAPTED YOUR ROLE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING?

In my role as Student Activities Coordinator, I have been working hard to support our students in this new and unpredictable situation.  This includes having daily support sessions for my students where they can come to ask questions, express any academic or emotional concerns, or just have a chat.  I’ve also been working to facilitate a new program called Afternoon Sessions where students can participate in short extra curricular activities taught by our very own Danilack teachers.  I am also still managing the @discoverdanilack Instagram account where I am able to give our community a taste of the amazing learning and exploration that has been happening in the homes and digital classrooms of our students.

As part of my regular flipped learning program, I have been creating demo videos for the past number of years.  Based on the principles of a flipped classroom, I created online instructional videos teaching different art techniques.  Through this type of learning, students are able to learn on their own time and at their own pace. I have been able to use this approach to teach art during distance learning as well.  

I miss seeing their faces in real life, but I’m really thankful for the technology that allows me to still engage them in authentic and rich tasks to inspire them during this stressful time. 

Are you inspired to take one of Ms. Albert’s art classes? Click here to follow along as she shows you how to create your very own Stop Motion Animation!