One Minute with an Educator: Mrs. Flavin

Name: Trixie Stoerger-Flavin

Years in education: This is my 24th year of teaching, all of which, proudly, have been in the Tuscola school district.

Subject/Grade assignment this school year: This year I am teaching Elementary Art grades1-5, and planning art instruction for Kindergarten Art which is taught by our wonderful music teacher, Alicia Mullen.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Art! I decided that I wanted to be an art teacher when I was a first grader at Bement Elementary. We only had art class once a week, and it was always the best day!

What is your favorite weekend activity?

I love spending time hanging out with my family and friends. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, as long as we are doing it together.

What is your favorite book?

I love books! My favorite book is “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney. I read it to my kids when they were little and now they read it to me. This is the best because my kids are now in Jr. High and they love this book as much as I do.

What are you most looking forward to in your curriculum this month?

This month we are starting to work on our last big pieces of the year. Everyone will be super busy trying to finish everything in time to take it home. In first grade we will be doing our Van Gogh flower paintings. This is a piece that is a favorite of students, parents and teachers. It is a great lesson, because all students are very successful with it. They learn a lot about Vincent Van Gogh, as well as learning new painting techniques. Students are always very proud of their work. It is a great way to end the school year.

What are your students learning this week?

Fifth grade will be starting a clay project, Fourth grade is learning about Origami, Third graders are painting, Second grade is finishing a collage that shows radial design, and First grade is finishing an oil pastel tree frog project. It is very busy in the art room!

What is your greatest motivator as a teacher?

The excitement of my students as they come into the art room is infectious. The pride that I see on their faces as they create and learn is a great motivator for me. Recently, I have started having more and more of my former students’ children in my classroom. It is so fun to be teaching a second generation. I have always had wonderful kids here in Tuscola, and it is very rewarding to see them being successful in their grown-up lives. I have been blessed to work with an amazing group of educators, support staff and administrators. They make coming to school fun. As far back as I can remember I have always loved being part of a team. Every day is different. Every day is challenging. Every day is a blessing.