Interview with Shelly Maloney
March marks the celebration of both Youth Arts Month and Women's History Month. In this feature, Nash County Public Schools (NCPS) interviews Mrs. Shelly Maloney, a high school teacher at Northern Nash High School, to delve into her educational contributions and insights on teaching. With 15 years of teaching experience, including a decade devoted to North Carolina, Shelly Maloney has become a seasoned educator at Northern Nash High School. Specializing in teaching various levels of visual arts, from fundamental to Advanced Placement, and covering all aspects of pottery, Shelly is dedicated to making art education accessible and enjoyable for students of varying skill levels.
What made you want to become a teacher?
"I love art. In middle school and high school, I had art teachers who took the time to teach me how to draw. They taught me to draw a stick figure, showing that anyone can learn to draw. I have taken everything I learned from them to teach my students."
How do you encourage young artists to express themselves creatively in the classroom?
"I tell them that the world is their oyster; if they can think it, they can create it. We do a lot of self-discovery pages. I have them create a page in their sketchbook dedicated entirely to themselves. We also do visual journaling, like a diary page about their day, incorporating words and images. As the semester progresses, they start to see their life unfold. Additionally, they work on prompted sketchbooks to stimulate their creativity."
How do you promote a sense of empowerment and confidence among young female artists in your classroom?
"I have many success stories of young women throughout my career. I use their stories to encourage current students, showing them that success in the art world is achievable. This makes their goals seem attainable and real. Besides, I promote their artwork in shows and competitions, both local and regional, to showcase their talent. Last year, one of my students won the Scholastic Award for Eastern North Carolina."
How do you stay inspired and continue to grow as an artist and educator?
"I never stop learning and seeking opportunities to grow. Whether through my student teachers, my students, professional development, or any other means, I embrace the chance to learn. A Professional Development session on literacy inspired me artistically to start a painting on science fiction images. I use these experiences to inspire my students, encouraging them to find inspiration in their surroundings and core subjects."
Are there any community outreach or collaborative art projects you've been involved in that you're particularly proud of?
"We're involved in many projects, and I'm proud of my students for all of them. Currently, we're working on ceiling tiles for Boice Willis in their pediatrics unit. We've previously worked on tiles for the oncology center and doubled our efforts this year due to the positive response. We are continuing a mural in Castalia at Central Hardware, a long-term community project. Positive Impact, a club I lead, has sponsored a clothing drive for My Sister's House for the second year and this year handmade 118 ribbon roses for each staff member at Northern Nash High School."