It is my pleasure to feature a talented teacher from East High, in Salt Lake City, on the blog today. Blair Porter is the department chair of the Visual Arts program and teaches ceramics.
Where did you do your teacher prep? I studied at the University of Utah , where I received my BFA in Fine Arts, with an emphasis in ceramics and art education. I was then granted a scholarship later in my career from Utah’s, Teacher of the Year, Leigh Vandenakker to the University of Phoenix to earn my Masters degree in Teacher Leadership.
Where have you taught in your teaching career? I am into my 9th year as an art teacher at East High School in the salt lake city school district. I have also taught in urban Chicago for a summer, working with south side Chicago students in a program called “summer advantage” It was a paid school program for high school students to earn money while attending academic classes.
What is the funniest thing a student has ever said? As a ceramics teacher, I think it is pretty funny when students ask me if I have seen the movie “Ghost”
What one piece of advice would you give to new teachers? Relax, be flexible and have a sense of humor. Also, be involved in the school you teach at and get to know the students.
What is your favorite teacher resource? Clay and the pottery wheel are my resource. It is amazing to see how creative students are when you put this incredible medium in front of them. I provide the direction and skill and they are naturals, they just blossom with creativity!
What’s the biggest change you would like to see in education? I would like to see less teachers leaving the career within their first few years.
Thank you Mrs.Porter for hard work and dedication to students in Utah!
Cheers!
Tabitha Pacheco
The Utah Teacher 