A Teacher’s Passion for Art Drives His Commitment to Supporting Others
**Mount Boucherie School Board**
| Trustee Lee-Ann Tiede | Celebrating Teacher Jim Elwood’s contributions to art education |
| Elwood has been involved in a project to support art teachers and students across the school district | Providing art education enhancement support and co-designed lessons for students |
Teacher Jim Elwood is a dedicated professional with a passion for art that extends beyond his own classroom. He is currently working on an art class teaching assistance website that is connecting with art teachers across Canada and as far away as New Zealand. Elwood aims to replicate his methods and ideas of introducing and supporting teaching art to students, making him a valuable resource for the educational system. Through his work, Elwood has not only inspired and guided students but has also helped his colleagues. He provides technical assistance to the technical aspects of running an art program, which is a crucial part of keeping the school on track. Elwood’s website has been invaluable in connecting him with art teachers across Canada and the US. He has shared his own personal experiences and methods with his colleagues, which has helped them improve their art education programs and provide students with better opportunities for learning and growth.
“We often talk about teaching art through culture, but we are also teaching culture through art.”
This quote from Elwood highlights his understanding of the power of art in teaching students about culture and community. He believes that teaching art is not just about technical skills, but also about sharing the rich heritage of different cultures. To promote art education, Elwood has worked with students to design and create art pieces that reflect their own cultural identities. He has also provided guidance on how to incorporate Indigenous art into their lessons, which has helped students gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and traditions of Indigenous communities. One notable example is the permanent wall installation of a painting created by students in the Indigenous visual arts course at Mount Boucherie school. The painting was created under the guidance of Elwood and Coralee Miller, a local artist and Westbank First Nation member. The students designed and created the artwork to its completion, demonstrating their creativity, skill and understanding of their cultural heritage. The wall installation not only serves as a beautiful piece of art, but also as a testament to the importance of art education in schools. It highlights the impact that art can have on students’ lives and provides a sense of community and cultural identity. The Central Okanagan Public Schools superintendent/CEO, Kevin Kaardal, has acknowledged Elwood’s efforts to support art education across the school district. Kaardal recognized that art education is not just an extra-curricular activity, but an essential part of the school curriculum that brings people together and fosters communication. Elwood’s commitment to supporting art education has been recognized by his peers and students alike. He is a shining example of what can be achieved when passion and dedication come together. The school board has declared May as National Allergy Awareness Month and May 5-11 as Mental Health Week. The board has also extended congratulations to local students who have achieved academic success.