Geneva teacher believes anyone can create art

Jon Kristofer has been teaching art to sixth- and eighth-graders at Geneva Middle School South for three years.

"This is my 13th year as an art teacher. I have taught in three districts, and I have taught every grade from kindergarten through 12," Kristofer said.

The 40-year-old resident of St. Charles worked as a house painter and a photographer before becoming an art teacher. He holds a bachelor's degree in illustration from Columbia College Chicago and a master's degree in art from Northern Illinois University.

The Daily Herald caught up with Kristofer to learn what it's like to teach art to tweens and young teens.

Q. How did you become an art teacher?

A. My family was recently looking at old photo albums, and in one of those, there was a picture of me in my kindergarten classroom holding up a sign that said, "I am an artist."

I was always very creative, with a passion for drawing and building stuff. While earning a degree in illustration and learning the freelance nature of that business, I was also coaching intramural basketball and realized how much I loved working with kids.

I decided then that in addition to making my own art, I wanted to teach art to share my love for the subject with others.

Q. How do you teach students who may be good at art and those who aren't?

A. One of the most rewarding things about teaching art is dispelling the myth that "I'm not good at art." Creating art requires a combination of technical skill and ideas. These technical skills are completely teachable and learnable - like riding a bike or shooting a free throw - and everyone has ideas based on their personal experiences.

I tell students that if they are willing to come to my art class with an open mind, are willing to take some risks, try new things, and learn from their mistakes, I will meet them halfway and present the skills we are learning in engaging, bite-sized pieces and they will be successful in my class.

They can learn to be good at art (and anything really) with a positive, I-can-learn-to-do-this, attitude.

Q. How do you grade students?

A. Every art project is designed to be open-ended while having very clear requirements to "meet expectations." These expectations are spelled out clearly in a rubric.

Students also can exceed expectations if they meet all the requirements and add something extra to their work that shows an advanced understanding of the concepts.

Students in my class also keep a digital portfolio. Each completed project has a page in their portfolio. Each page includes a photograph of the artwork and a written reflection about the ideas, successes and challenges within each project. They turn in their digital portfolio for a grade and email their parents the portfolio several times throughout the semester.

Q. What is your overall teaching philosophy?

A. I believe that anyone can learn art-making skills and that everyone has ideas worth expressing. I try to make learning about art and creating art fun and accessible through engaging, challenging and meaningful projects so that students of all levels are successful.

I also think that the art room provides an important, and sometimes underrated, place for students to build confidence, to hone their critical-thinking and observational skills, and to practice making value-judgements. These are important life-skills that can be developed and refined in the art room.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about teaching middle school art?

A. Having taught every grade level from K-12, and some adult classes, I find a student's "A-Ha!" moment to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching. It tends to happen after a student struggles a bit with something, sticks with it and then gets it and is proud of his or her work.

I do find teaching middle school art to be the most fun of all the grade-levels. Students usually come to class with their shoes tied and their minds open, and they laugh at my jokes.

Q. Beyond teaching, do you do artwork on the side?

A. Yes! I am currently working on illustrating a children's book. I love creating murals, and also work steadily as a photographer. I've been shooting sports, portraits and weddings since 2000. I shot over 20 weddings this season.

To see my work, go to www.jkristoferphotography.blogspot.com

To see what's happening in my room, follow me on Twitter and Instagram @MrKristoferART