A Heart for Art – Brookview’s Olberding Named Iowa’s Art Educator of the Year
March 2022 Update
The National Art Education Association (NAEA) Convention was held in New York City. At this experience, Brookview Art Teacher Amanda Olberding was recognized as the Iowa Art Educator of the Year!
Original Story
Brookview Elementary Art Teacher Amanda Olberding is giving her students permission to make a mess.
“We are doing clay, we are painting, we are making big messes,” says Olberding.
Messes lead to creativity, one of the most important things students can learn in elementary art.
“Students are working out of their comfort zone. I’m challenging them to try what they haven’t tried before, says Olberding. “I’m pushing them to think, what does making look like for you?”
Even though the students are the makers, Mrs. Olberding’s experience in art class is incredibly powerful.
“Elementary students have a way of creating that is so unique,” adds Olberding. “To be a part of that and facilitate that, is such an amazing experience for me as an artist. It’s fun to be inspired by what they come up with.”
Mrs. Olberding teaches 2nd grade art students at Brookview.
Art Educator of the Year
The inspiration is coming full circle this week. Olberding is the newest Iowa Art Educator of the Year, an annual award given out by the Art Educators of Iowa. This honor is an incredible shout out to Brookview’s art leader.
“It’s a testament to the people I get to work with and my students. When you love what you do, it shows,” says Olberding.
“We have the luckiest kids here at Brookview because of everything she brings to the art room,” says Brookview Principal Stephanie Angelino. “She brings her soul into everything she’s doing and also thinks about the interests of her kids. We are really blessed.”
Brookview Wall – decorated by Mrs. Olberding’s art students.
Brookview’s Art Educator of the Year doesn’t want art to just be a one hour thing, every couple of days. Art plays a larger role in our school community.
“It’s about seeing the idea of art living in this space and the way kids can take those things outside of the art room,” says Olberding. “I’m not expecting every kid to become an artist, but I think there is a mindset kids can work through in the art room and then when they take it out, they can use it in other areas besides art.”
Amanda’s heart for art has a special place at Brookview.
“I would love for them to have more art. I will always advocate for that,” says Olberding. “It’s such a foundation for human existence and how we make sense of the world. Art is such a powerful platform for that.”
