This talk was extremely helpful in really understanding teaching from educator’s perspectives and experiences. What we need to know about post pandemic art classrooms is that things are constantly changing. Hearing what students really need, trying to meet those needs as teachers, and accommodating/adjusting our curriculum based on those needs is essential. Teaching should really be catered towards learners, which may seem obvious to us, but I feel that many teachers have a disconnect in this way at times. Really listening to students and valuing their thoughts and feelings is key. Crespo discussed how making students feel heard also applies to understanding cultural/ethnic holidays, practices, that are not our own.

I think Crespo’s example of cultural appropriation when it came to sugar skulls was brilliant. Students can learn about art from various cultures, which is an important thing to teach, but it doesn’t mean they have to go and make the same art in the same way. Crespo also gave a great example of how to make accommodations to lessons so discouraged learners find their place in the art classroom. Understanding their interests and allowing students to interpret assignments in ways they feel driven to is a great idea. Perez spoke about how she constantly reminds her students that their art is developing, and I think this is a brilliant way to get through to students. They shouldn’t feel ashamed that their work isn’t as “good” as the person next to them because everyone has their own way of creating and everyone is at their own level as well.

I really really enjoyed listening to this talk and I hope we can hear from other educators again! Hearing from their first hand experiences was extremely eye opening and I’m so happy I was able to join!