Cassandra Seltzer • The Harriton Banner • May, 2013

I went back to middle school. On purpose. Not just any middle school, but the very halls in which I lived out my sixth-to-eighth grade career. And what did I do? Observe other, smaller, people live out their sixth-to-eighth grade careers. I followed my former art teacher (now the ‘gifted’ teacher for seventh graders) around, migrating from class to class on a mission. The man formerly known as “art teacher Todd Marrone” has a proposal: revamp the state of classroom education to motivate kids to care about their learning. Tall order.

Marrone writes of an alternative plan for student motivation, saying, “If an individual is not interested, invested and/or personally accountable for achieving a goal, he or she will only move forward under the immediate supervision and intimidation/encouragement of someone who is. [This] model is an inefficient use of resources, shortsighted and unauthentic. The moment the supervisor is removed from the equation, the motivation dissipates.” Ironically, he brought me in as a kind of “supervisor” to observe his teaching, to take notes and realize possible alternatives. (more…)

Guests: Mike Garcia (Comedian & Former Student)

Topics: Learning to Ride a Bike, Feeling Old at Concerts, Stand-Up Comedy, Crazy School Trips, Beastie Boys, MCA, Todd Was a Horrible Young Person, Class Clowns/Jerks, Broken Noses, Harmless Pranks, Destroying Pianos, Open Mics, Stop Motion Animation, Giant T-Shirts and Kid Hernias.

Playlist: “Neighborhood Song” by Restorations and “Bittersweet Sympathy” by When Saints Go Machine

Play Now: http://www.usedwigs.com/pod/podcast96.mp3

iTunes: Download, Listen and Subscribe (more…)

In 2007, Hanna Williams was one of my most talented middle school art students. In 2010, she’s one of my most talented collaborators. We’ve joined forces to create a series of conjoined paintings, join us and enjoy.

Friday, June 4th, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
MilkBoy Coffee Acoustic
824 W. Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA

“Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master.” – Leonardo da Vinci

Ink on Paper • 6″x6″ • Private Collection

I went to middle school with a kid named Dan Block. He looked nothing like this but I think the name is fitting.