Shining a Light on . . .Meghan Slater

Shining a Light on . . .Meghan Slater

Being an alumna, a current parent, and a current teacher, Meghan Slater is fully entrenched in the SAA-SDS community. Now in her 7^th year as K-8 Art Teacher, for SAA and SDS students, she truly sees it all! Take a minute to get to know Mrs. Slater a little better.

 What is your educational background?

I graduated from SAA in 2002. I attended UT Knoxville, earning a bachelor’s degree in studio art and a master’s degree in art education

Why did you want to become an educator?

I actually started college majoring in Interior Design, but quickly realized that was not the right path for me. One of my architecture professors suggested I take some studio art classes the following semester and I loved them! I learned about the advanced degree in Art Education and had always enjoyed working with children, so it was the perfect combination. 

What makes the faculty & staff at SAA-SDS so special?

 It is truly a special community. I receive warmth and support daily from my colleagues. I love the friendships I have with so many different teachers/staff, and that there are so many moms that I can turn to for advice who have shared the same experiences. It’s also so fun to work with teachers that I went to high school with and teachers that taught me at SAA!

You have one of the few positions that has the opportunity to teach both boys and girls and teach a wide variety of ages. How do you do it?! What is it like to go back and forth between them all day?

Every day is different with my schedule, so it’s definitely never dull! When I first began my teaching career, I actually taught PK-12. It was quite a challenge getting used to the variety of ages I taught daily, but over time I got more used to it. It takes a lot of organization and classroom management skills that work for different ages. I’ve also learned over the years that not every project taught must be a masterpiece – it is more about the process, the mediums, or skills learned. I take each project I teach step by step for the students (and myself!) instead of trying to introduce the whole project at one time.

Why is it so important for students to participate in regularly scheduled fine arts classes?

The Arts provide opportunities for students to practice different types of cognitive development, social-emotional and multi-sensory skills. Fine Arts classes provide space for students to use their imaginations in a variety of unique ways. I want art class to be an outlet for students where they can enjoy creating art, have an academic break, and talk with their classmates about whatever is on their minds (I have heard so many interesting conversations over the years). I also love how they encourage each other, complement each other, and share ideas while making art. 

What do you hope to accomplish in your job?

I hope to teach students how to find ways to connect their lives to Art-whether they love making art or not! Art teaches students how to view the world from unique viewpoints, and how to stop and appreciate the simple beauty around us in nature. I also want to provide a space where they can enjoy their time together and feel comfortable, so they look forward to the weekly class.

I try to expose all students to many different artists and types of art so they can understand the wide range of careers that are influenced by the art world. I love the looks on the boys’ faces (particularly the ones that don’t LOVE art) when I tell them that the video games they love to play were actually designed by artists and graphic designers. Also, the boys that love sports - I tell them that people thought about and drew the designs for the equipment, jerseys, fields, courts, etc. for all sporting events they have watched or been involved in before they came to life. EVERYTHING has a connection back to the arts somehow.

I also want to encourage those students that have real, natural artistic talents and interests to keep practicing and never give up making art on their own. I want them to continue classes in high school where they can really develop their passion. I encourage students that make art on their own to bring work from home to share with me whenever possible—it brings a lot of joy to have a student share their personal work and ideas with me. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Teaching so many grades allows me to continue relationships and watch the same students grow over the years. It warms my heart when I hear students tell me that Art is their favorite. I love when the Upper School girls I taught come visit me and catch up.

 I also enjoy being able to teach girl vs. boy-centered subjects and artists with the single gender lower school classes. No matter what subject, medium, or skill we are working on, I always give the students choices to make on their own. I feel it is very important for students to feel connected and proud of their artwork, and they love seeing their artwork hung up in the hallway to share. 

Are there any projects you are involved in right now that you are particularly excited about?

This year I am teaching after school Art Club classes during which the students can create more 3-dimensional art and learn new techniques. I will also be teaching three camps this summer! I am working on finding ways to connect art lessons to curriculum subjects that the students are studying in their classrooms. My goal is to have at least one project each year that is cross-curricular for every class in grades K-6. It’s like magic when you can collaborate with a classroom teacher and create opportunities for deeper connections for students. 

What is the most important life lesson you want students to learn?

Always try YOUR personal best and don’t compare your skills/talents to others! Students are MUCH harder on themselves than I am about their art skills. I always emphasize that everyone has a different style when making art and that’s my favorite part - they all have the same directions and goal, but each student's work is unique. 

Which of the Dominican Pillars-Study, Prayer, Community, Service-is supported most by your role here-or-which one impacts you the most/means the most to you?

I would definitely say Community- I teach every student in grades K-8 and work with all K-8 teachers plus both deans! I love being able to build relationships and friendships with so many different people. Prayer is also very important to me. It is a privilege to attend Mass on campus each week. I’m also an OPA (Dominican Associate), and I really enjoy being a part of that special community that provides service opportunities as well. 

What are you most grateful for?

My family! I never thought I would be the mother of three girls and no matter how worn out I am at the end of each day, I am truly blessed in so many ways. Bennet and I are inspired to work hard to provide the best life we can give them. I am also truly grateful to have such a wonderful position at SAA-SDS and blessed environment to come to work every day. I love being a working mom and it honestly makes me a better mother and wife. When I have my planning times at school, I cherish the quiet moments I have to myself in my classroom :)

What are your interests outside of the classroom?

I love cooking, trying out new recipes, and spending time with my family. Our favorite time together is when we go on walks around the lake in our neighborhood. With three little girls at home, it’s hard to find time for much else, but one day I would love to have a studio at home where I can escape and paint. I love painting and mixed media on canvas - mainly abstract and textures. The last real painting I made for fun was for Audrey when she was born in 2017 which hung in her nursery. 

Tell us about your family. As an alumna, what does it mean to you to now have a daughter at the school?

Bennet and I have 3 girls - Audrey (5), Laurel (2.5), and Claire just turned 18 months. I love taking Audrey to school with me every day and being able to attend events for her and see her in the hallways-it’s a highlight of having her at SAA-SDS. I think what I am looking forward to most is her being a Kinderstar next year and sharing weekly mass together. It will be different teaching her and her friends next year, but I think it will be a lot of fun since I know so many of them already. I look forward to Laurel coming the ECC next year and being able to introduce her to a new special environment that she will share with me and Audrey. With three daughters that will all attend SAA, I look forward to all the traditions and experiences we will share as special memories and being a part of so many school events together on campus.