Coleman School Educator of the Year: Wendy Roche

Six educators in the Glen Rock Public Schools system can call themselves the best of the best, having been selected by colleagues as the top educators for 2011-2012 at their respective schools.

The list this year is quite diverse – you'll find resource room teachers, guidance counselors, science teachers, art teachers and classroom teachers.

The six recipients were kind enough to answer a few questions Patch had about their role in shaping kids' futures. We've already , a guidance counselor at GRHS, and , a 4th grade teacher at Hamilton.

Now, put your smock on and learn more from art teacher Wendy Roche.

Why did you gravitate toward teaching? Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher? 

I feel so lucky to have found a second career in teaching! I was an Art Director at a New York advertising agency for many years before going back to graduate school and getting my degree in Art Education. What those years taught me is that creative thinking is important in all professions...and in life. I really enjoy sharing this kind of visual language with kids – they surprise me every day with their fresh and imaginative way of looking at the world.

What's the best part about teaching?

The best part about teaching is seeing my students get so excited and enthusiastic about Art. What really makes my day is when students tell me they went to a museum or gallery over the weekend and recognized an artist we’ve studied in class.

What are the greatest challenges you find in teaching? How do you solve them?

My greatest challenge is never feeling like I have enough time! I have to be extremely organized so students have the maximum time to work on their projects. Students are always telling me that Art is the shortest class they have!

What's the most memorable thing that's happened in one of your classrooms?

Some of my most memorable moments have been when I’ve taken art out of the classroom. During one of my first field trips to the Storm King Art Center, my 4th graders were riding on the tram that circles the grounds. As we turned the corner, an enormous Calder sculpture came into view – one we had seen a picture of in class. The gasp I heard as students recognized it – that gave me goosebumps.

Do you have a particular "style" of teaching?

I am very inspired by contemporary art. When I visit a gallery or museum, I am always looking for ideas to bring back to the classroom. Art that’s being made today is connected to the lives of my students. I want them to learn that they too have a voice that can be expressed through their art. What I also love about contemporary art is that it can be taught hand in hand with the Art "Masters".

Tell me about a teacher you found inspirational while you were a student.

In college, I studied abroad in Florence and took several courses by an amazing professor of Renaissance Art, Rab Hatfield. His passion and energy for teaching art was spellbinding. I hung on every word! I think I realized then how incredibly influential a teacher can be. I want my students to be as excited about making art as I am.  

Do you have any advice for parents or students?

It is so heartbreaking to hear a child say to me, “I can’t draw.” That is something kids hear from adults and internalize before they ever get a chance to practice. Artistic talent is not necessarily innate but comes from developing a passion. Parents, draw with your kids! Take sketchbooks with you on trips instead of cameras!