When talking about multi-ethnic concerns, the conversation frequently turns to the subject of race. Socio-economic status (SES) also lies under the umbrella of multi-ethnic concerns. Increasingly, teachers are experiencing declining SES in the communities they teach. Coupled with the implementation of schools of choice the definition of school community has also changed. A school system is no longer comprised of people who live within the boundaries of the district. Today’s school systems are often comprised of students and staff who live in other communities. For optimal learning, it is important for children to possess a feeling of belonging within their own unique school community. For this reason, as teachers it is necessary to help to create that unique school community. As visual arts educators we have an advantage to understanding how to create a curriculum that enables students to propagate relationships through artmaking. Collaboration, critiquing, and preparing presentations are all about the creative process and part of our national standards. Each can produce relationships that form bonds that tie students together and foster that important sense of community.

Having experience working as a visual arts educator in a small low-income school community, I observe this basic need for students to belong. Trust and genuine caring are a must in such environments. Arts educators can empower students by creating a curriculum that reflects their students’ reality. Begin by designing an inquiry of social justice issues students are experiencing as a result of their SES. Lead them to designing ways to conquer the challenges they find through pooling their talents to create working solutions. Getting to know your students through incorporating a journaling exercise is a great way to foster meaningful relationships that can lead to insightful lesson planning.

If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts I can be reached via e-mail: tbrownin@umflint.edu. Please look for my blog: https://wordpresscom92054.wordpress.com/

Tammi Browning
Multi-ethnic Concerns
Visual Arts Educator
Bentley Community Schools
Burton, MI.