GETTING THE PERFECT DUO: ART AND TEACHING

After a sudden vacancy in the art department arose when the former  elementary art teacher Sandra Romero left unexpectedly, it opened the perfect opportunity for an enthusiastic replacement to be able to fulfill his passion.

Soren Sturlaugson, a former second grade classroom teacher, was offered the choice between continuing to teach in a traditional classroom or art; he decided without hesitation art. He was able to get the perfect mix, when there was an opening spot as an elementary art teacher for this new school year (2017-2018).

The previous art teacher decided to leave so they offered the art position to me or offered the choice, I weighed my options for like two minutes and decided I prefered to be an art teacher than a 5th classroom teacher,” Sturlaugson said.

This whole process certainly has been challenging but getting to do what he is passionate about, plus including other subjects like math and science into his art classes, has made the process worthwhile.

 

“Absolutely I’ve been making more effort in this job as an art teacher than I was second grade, but it’s totally worth it,” Sturlaugson said when asked about any challenges he faces.

Although many of his students are disappointed because he doesn’t teach them specifically anymore they are happy that we continued his passion and that they are still able to see him  in every art class.

“The truth [he liked] to paint a lot in second grade, [he] gave us many drawings and taught us words, but mostly he remains the same,” third grade student Amelia Morales said.

In addition to being an exemplar teacher of the second grade, he managed to create a bond with his students, one that they would never forget.

“My favorite teacher because he made me experience new things; past years I had never had a male teacher and I liked to learn with him; I got used to speaking English for him because we became very good friends,” said Julieta Vélez, former Sturlaugson student.

When an opportunity like this rises, there is no hesitation between what’s your real passion and how you are going to pursue it.

“Art has always been a passion of mine and teaching as well so to be able to combine both of them is really kind of a dream come true,” Sturlaugson said.