By Lisa Cannon

At a time when numerous school districts face the dilemma of cutting arts programs to balance their budgets, Benton stands as a beacon of commitment to its robust arts program. This steadfast dedication by school leaders to the arts is not only a testament to their foresight but also a reflection of their deep understanding of the multifaceted value of arts education. This commitment is felt across the District and is reinforced at every level..

In Benton, the visual arts are not merely subjects to be taught; they are vital channels of expression, particularly for students who may find traditional modes of verbal and written communication challenging. These artistic avenues offer more than just a way to convey thoughts and feelings; they provide a voice to those who might otherwise be unheard. The arts program, therefore, becomes a powerful tool for inclusivity, ensuring every student finds a medium for self-expression and personal growth.

Furthermore, the curriculum in Benton recognizes that education in the arts is not just about learning to draw or paint; it's about cultivating a well-rounded individual. The arts are instrumental in developing social and emotional skills, which are increasingly recognized as essential for personal success and fulfillment in life. In classrooms where art takes center stage, students learn empathy, resilience, and the joy of creative expression. They learn to see the world through different lenses, appreciate diverse perspectives, and embrace their individuality.

The emphasis on creativity, the very essence of the arts, prepares students for a future where this skill is highly valued across all fields of employment. In an ever-evolving job market, where adaptability and innovative thinking are paramount, the students of Benton are equipped not just with knowledge but with a creative mindset that enables them to approach challenges with fresh solutions. They learn to see creativity not just as a skill for the arts, but as a critical tool for problem-solving in any field they choose to pursue.

Benton's arts program also plays a crucial role in community engagement and cultural enrichment. Through various exhibitions, performances, and community projects, the arts become a bridge between the school and the wider community, fostering a sense of shared experience and collective growth. The arts encourage students to engage with their community, understand its history and culture, and contribute to its vibrancy.

In essence, Benton's unwavering support for arts education is shaping a generation of students who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally intelligent, socially aware, and creatively empowered. The arts, in this context, are more than subjects; they are essential components of a holistic education, shaping students into well-rounded, empathetic, and innovative individuals ready to make their mark in the world.

Benton is fortunate to have two outstanding art teachers on the team: Jennifer Fitzpatrick (K-4th grades) and Bethany Sanders (5th-8th grades). Both women first came to Benton as student teachers but followed very different paths to get there. Here are their stories:

Ms. Fitzpatrick's journey to teaching was unconventional, filled with interesting moves and stops. Originally from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Jennifer headed east for college, attending the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. She pursued graduate studies in Chicago, working in art and design. A trip to southern Illinois to visit her 94-year-old grandmother sparked a desire for change. She eventually obtained her art teaching certification after navigating many steps and hoops.

In Benton, Jennifer realized that being an art teacher was more than being an artist. It required extensive learning and skills to help kids connect with art. Committed to continuous learning, she takes professional development classes and is working towards National Board Certification.

Ms. Fitzpatrick believes in the intrinsic human desire to create and aims to nurture this in her students. Her primary goal is for her students to identify as "makers." In a world often dominated by technology, developing a sense of being an art creator is vital. Jennifer structures her classes to maximize student choice, offering general themes while allowing freedom in medium and subject selection. A magnet board in the classroom lets students influence the year's activities.

This freedom and independence mean Ms. Fitzpatrick doesn't always see the work day-to-day. However, when she peeks into sketchbooks, she discovers magical creations like unicorn paintings, mixed media, fabric, and collages.

Ms. Fitzpatrick notes the importance of group projects in art, emphasizing the vital social experience and alignment with 21st-century learning skills. She often pitches the value of arts to the school board, highlighting their economic significance in the state's culture and economy.

As students advance, they enter Bethany Sanders' 5th-8th grade art classroom. Ms. Sanders, in her second year of teaching and first at Benton, has already honed strategies for different grade levels. The fifth-grade class is more structured, focusing on core skills, while older students enjoy more freedom in their artistic choices. Like Ms. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Sanders emphasizes individual artistic expression.

When reflecting on her journey to art education, Bethany recalls lacking art classes in elementary school due to budget cuts. Her passion for art blossomed in middle and high school, inspired by her art teacher. After shadowing her art teacher in high school, she pursued art education at Southeastern Illinois College and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where landscape painting was a highlight. Today, her favorite medium is graphite pencil drawing, specializing in photo-realistic drawings that amaze her students.

Her approach to teaching art focuses on engaging students and allowing them to explore their interests. This open-ended methodology fosters artistic skills and self-confidence, particularly evident in her Advanced Art class for 7th and 8th graders. Students also showcase their unique voices in the school's Spring arts show, where every project is different and unpredictable.

Bethany's hope for her students as they move to high school and beyond is that they continue to create and be creative, using the skills they've learned in her class.

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