Art teacher inspires students

Expressing yourself is always an option, and at Silver Lake High School, students may express themselves by taking an art class. The art program not only relieves the pressures of core class expectations and peers, but the students also get to enjoy a fun-filled hour with Kristin Herndon, SLHS art teacher.

Herndon has taught art at SLHS for just five out of the 11 years she has been teaching. She was an instructor at Stafford High School for one year and five at Mankato High School.

“I started teaching art 11 years ago. It was never really an option not to be a teacher; it was just something you did in my family because everyone in my family is a teacher,” said Herndon.

Herndon’s grandfather, three great aunts, her mother and father and two brothers have all been teachers. Herndon felt she owed it to herself to become a teacher.

Like many college students, Herndon changed her major because she felt she should pursue her passions.

“I went to college to be a music teacher but realized I like performing music instead of the whole theory aspect, so I went to my other love which was art,” stated Herndon.

Among the classes Herndon teaches are art exploration, crafts, sculpture, painting, ceramics, printmaking, graphic design, advanced arts and crafts, and jewelry. She said she would like to be able to do more with graphic design.

“I thoroughly enjoy graphic design and the endless possibilities that have been just briefly touched using the computers. In the field of art, computers are such new media,” she said

Being an art teacher opens opportunities to be able to chat with students about topics other than school.

“Art is not such a structured class that I think you probably get to know your students better than other teachers because, even though there is teaching going on, you have more conversations with your students,” explained Herndon.

Herndon admits to struggling with certain subjects when she was in school and understands when students have difficulties in the core classes.

“I love when I see students excel in art when other teachers see them struggle. Teachers of the core classes may see certain students really struggle and, most of the time, the students are very artistic and do very well in my class, ” said Herndon.

Already established, Herndon has become an active member in the Kansas Art Education Association and the National Education Association.

“The Kansas Art Education Association is made up of teachers throughout the state of Kansas, and it’s kind of a support group for teachers. We help each other learn new things as well as being a supporter to help keep arts in schools. Also on a larger scale, just to help people understand the importance that the schools play in people’s lives.

“I have become more involved with our local NEA lately, especially with the legislature and helping voice opinions about how the funding can best be used in the schools as well as getting enough funding so we can do an even better job teaching kids,” explained Herndon.

Being an art teacher also leads to other activities involved with the school.

“I am the sponsor of the art club and basically it is a lot of like-minded souls getting together and just having fun and enjoying art and things associated with art. I am a little bit of a theatrical person anyway, and I’ve been involved in plays my whole life, so helping Mary Larson as assistant director (of the spring play) has been a lot of fun for me. Not only do I help with set design but sometimes I help with characters,” stated Herndon.

Herndon finds that art is most fulfilling for her and hopes others can feel the same.

“I hope that if there are other students out there who have difficulties that maybe they can find success in art,” said Herndon.

Sub Navigation

• News
• Editorials
• Sports
• Features

Top