Now 16 years into her tenure at Campus Cooperative Preschool in Urbana, Haruyo Gonzalez has a phrase that guides her when she teaches art, one of her main responsibilities as a lead teacher.
“Teacher Haruyo is known to say, ‘Everyone is an artist,’” said Anna Rice, the school’s director. “She lets children create individual art pieces while also helping them develop fine motor skills through the use of paint, scissors, glue, etc. Each child’s art is displayed and cherished. Parents and preschool graduates often return to our open houses to share that doing art with Teacher Haruyo is one of their favorite preschool memories!”
I find my work important because … This is typically a child’s first school experience. I’m proud to help make their first time at school a positive experience.
I became a teacher because … I realized I enjoy teaching art to preschoolers. Preschoolers love learning and trying new things!
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is … I focus on teaching art; I let the students know everyone is an artist! So much learning skills take place when children are being creative.
My most fulfilling moments on the job are … our open houses, when former students return and share how much they loved their time at preschool.
I keep students engaged by … making art accessible to all students by either providing different scissors or art materials. Our art project goes with what we are learning, so the kids are excited to take the lessons and make it a hands-on experience.
Something else I’m passionate about is … creating art at home. Also cooking and baking!
My favorite teacher … was Mr. Yamada, my ninth-grade history teacher, and Mrs. Miyaguni, a kindergarten teacher. I still keep in touch with Mrs. Miyaguni when I go back home to visit my hometown of Okinawa, Japan.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be … an architectural designer.
— ANTHONY ZILIS