Self-Promotion through Online Resources

Making my folio on weebly made me realize there is a lot more I could be doing with online resources to promote myself as an art teacher - and in the future, promote the art program at the school where I teach. I could see myself using a blog as a tool for interested persons to keep up with what is happening in my classroom, and I could see myself turning my folio into a more professional representation of myself and my work.

I do feel really invested in both my work as an art educator and my work as an artist, so I think showing both of those things could not only prove my worth to an employer, but also set an example for my students. I have used several different avenues to promote my development as an artist, and now that I have a few shows under my belt, I may start thinking about using a website for even more self-promotion.

If you are interested in seeing my work, below is a picture of my latest installation in the Padnos Student Art Gallery at GVSU. I hope to upload more pictures of my work to this blog, but this is a start!

The Folio Process

I'm currently teacher assisting at Forest Hills Eastern High School, and my seminar requires that we put together a portfolio that illustrates how I have grown and developed into an art educator. I decided to do an online folio through weebly.com, and found that developing my own website was a unique challenge. I had to think about a format and layout that best represents me, and choose files that show my best lessons and characteristics as a teacher.

I thought this assignment really related to my Technology in Education class, because not only did it force me to learn about and use an online resource, it also showed me how many different thinking processes happen naturally when working on something like a website. I had to think artistically to pick a layout, I had to use my writing skills to reflect, I had to critically think and critique myself in terms of becoming a better teacher, and I had to use my own judgement to make decisions. So while it may seem like I was just learning about the website/tool/resource, I actually learned a lot about myself and who I am as a teacher. It definitely made me consider having my students develop websites in the future.

If you are interested, check out my folio at gaylelotterman.weebly.com

Online Assignments

In my Technology in Education class right now, we have been learning about blogs, wikis, and other social applications that can encourage and support collaboration through technology in the classroom. The more I learn about these apps, the more I feel that they could be a really useful tool in the art classroom. Currently, I have a few classes that share things via wikis, moodles, etc., and I think the way we as students can collectively share ideas and work on projects really builds an online community and helps us learn from each other in a different way than in the classroom. 

Online you don't have one "teacher's pet" that dominates the conversation. Even the quietest student can share their ideas. It also helps to strengthen writing skills, and shows the power that writing can have - someone who is a great speaker may not necessarily be a great writer, and so it can highlight different strengths in students. Learning about and using these tools in my classes makes me even more eager to use them in my own classroom. 

I can see a blog becoming a tool for students to write down some of their thoughts about art, respond to readings I assign, research and post artists they like, and even post pictures of their artwork as a form of self-promotion and networking. Students can follow each other and check out what others are posting, and I can get to know my students better by finding out some of their interests in the art world. Wikis could be used similarly, and may even be more effective in a collaborative assignment. 

I am completely open to using any of these tools in my classroom someday, and think that both will be another great way to connect with my students.

A Letter From Martha Graham to Agnes De Mille

There is a vitality,
a life force,
a quickening
that is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.


And If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost.
It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly
Keep the channel open...
There is no satisfaction whatever at anytime
The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine
how good it is
nor how valuable it is
nor how it compares with other expressions.

to keep the channel open.
You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate YOU.

No artist is pleased...

There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction
a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
and makes "us" MORE alive than the others.

Martha Graham ( - a letter to Agnes De Mille-)