Lauren Kolesar-Eatinger's ART HISTORY:
I loved Art in Elementary, Middle School and High School, and was blessed to have Ms. Beggs, Mr. Saben, and Ms. Belsley as my art teachers during these times. My mom saved many of my projects--it is so fun to look back!
I attended Texas Christian University in 1996, majoring in Early Childhood Education. In the last semester of my Junior year, I learned that the campus had an Art Education program and quickly realized that I MUST teach Art! I completed my BSE in Early Childhood Education and BFA in Art Education in 2001.
My first year of teaching was as a traveling Elementary Art teacher, moving between campuses of 500-700 students. WHEW! I wanted to connect with students and build relationships, so I moved to another district where I could teach in one classroom for the entire year. What a difference! In moving to a third Elementary campus in my third year of teaching, I connected with students who needed enrichment and nurturing. It was on this campus that I was selected as Teacher of the Year----an amazing honor.
I began teaching High School Art because of the burning desire to work with students on developing a portfolio--creating a level of work that is more complex. I enjoyed teaching Art I and Draw II, and truly found a niche when teaching Sculpture II and III. An amazing part of becoming a hs educator was becoming a National Art Honor Society sponsor. I highly suggest that all high school art programs become involved and impact their local community with service and support. Check out the NAHS resources on the above task bar----suggestions for starting and growing a chapter.
After receiving the Priddy Fellowship to attend graduate school at UNT, I left the teaching world in order to focus on professional growth. The transition was hard--leaving the structure of the classroom to sit and read, read, read, write all day. I feel so disconnected from the previous life that I knew...and took so seriously. My purpose in pursuing a Master's degree is to become a stronger educator....a few more hours to go to complete a Masters in Art Education.
I have taken some time off from being a graduate student due to two events... my father passed away after a courageous 8-year battle with cancer. (Please encourage every male over the age of 50 to get annual prostate exams--early detection helps.) Dad passed in October 2009... it is so hard to witness someone that you respect and love suffer and fade away. His determination and strength has served as a backbone for our family. From September to November 2009, I tried so hard to keep up with coursework---reading for hours but recalling nothing...attempting to focus but suffering in silence. Being alone in a room is dangerous---the waterworks begin. Time is healing, but this has been the toughest time I have faced up to this point in my life. This will get better with time...
The second reason I took time off from being a full-time student is because Dr. Allison began maternity leave at TCU and I was asked to teach her classes until May 2010. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with students in FNRT, Basics, and Approaches---this growth opportunity has enriched my teaching practice and it has been a pleasure working with energetic pre-service educators.
I need to find focus---but I need to simplify life and clear out clutter first.
Ultimately, I desire to learn ways of reaching apathetic kids---to reach kids who challenged me the most. I need to increase technical, material skills so that I can help students grow as artists--I lack a lot of "how to make realism" skills in drawing and need tactics to help kids make the style of art they wish to create. The inner artist is screaming for a chance to emerge---I rarely make art...my form of personal expression.
As you review this website, please note that I am a work in progress, as is this site! Time... just give things time!
Please provide feedback and suggestions!
Many thanks to NAEA for providing the opportunity to have a personal space.
