INTRODUCTION
Before a successful decision can be made in any field, one must first define success and defend the criteria for the evaluation of that success. The seemingly obvious task of education is to prepare a young person for a successful adulthood. This, of course, begs the question what is successful adulthood? Psychologists, philosophers and economists may disagree on the topic of successful adulthood but, for practical purposes, let’s define it as a happy, productive individual who leads a life of purpose and meaning. What that looks like, exactly, is up to the individual.
It should be the educator’s and/or educational system’s task to prepare a young person for a successful adulthood by moving them towards that ultimate goal with the greatest level of efficiency, to maximize the quality of their investment of time and energy, and to flexibly nurture choice and diversity, dependent on the individual’s interests and aptitudes. Our current system does neither. (more…)
Students and teachers at Welsh Valley Middle School recently unveiled their new mosaic designed by renowned Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar. The artist’s Magic Gardens is a famed destination on South Street and his murals grace buildings around Philadelphia. (more…)
Poem by Maya Angelou • Paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Tempera & Oil Pastel on Paper • 24″x18″ • Student Work
In 1993, the powerful words of African American poet, author and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, were blended with the brave imagery of the late Multicultural American painter, Jean-Michel Basquiat, to create a stirring children’s book, titled Life Doesn’t Frighten Me. In 2012, a balding middle school art teacher blended that book with 8th grade art instruction to create a stirring blog post, titled Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.
David Robinson • Lower Merion School District • February, 2012
Isaiah Zagar is a mosaic artist whose work is included in the permanent collections the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. He has received grants for his artistic excellence from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Pew Charitable Trust for his work in Interdisciplinary Arts. He recently visited Welsh Valley Middle School to begin a mosaic project with students and the art teachers, Todd Marrone and Lori Rogers. (more…)
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Eric Campbell • Narberth-Bala Cynwyd Patch • February, 2012
When Todd Marrone isn’t teaching, he’s painting. When he’s not painting, he’s writing. When he’s not writing, he’s on a podcast. And no matter what he’s doing, he’s tweeting:
“Chinese handing stars are safer, but you still have to know what you’re doing.”
“There has to be an easier way to learn about dinosaurs than having kids.”
“Look, @CourteneyCox just joined Twitter. She’s going to ruin it just like she did when she climbed on stage during Dancing in the Dark.”
“Breathe Wrong® nasal strips are just clothes pins. Save your money.”
Marrone, 37, an art teacher for 15 years and a Belmont Hills father of two, has entertained a variety of interests and media since he was young. (more…)
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In this essay you will learn about Todd Marone, an amazing artist! Todd Marrone is a one of a kind artist! He lives in Philadelphia, and is the Welsh Valley Middle School art teacher. He has a very interesting life that I enjoyed learning about. Todd’s artwork is different but really cool! His artwork will make you say, “ WOW!” He is a wonderful teacher and artist! The first time he picked up a crayon he drew a face (past the scribbling stage) and he was only a young toddler. (more…)
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