Sunday, April 19, 2020

Shout Out to REBELS' For Spot-Lighting Local Teachers...





Have you ever heard of the store Rebels' located in Tallahassee? Well if not, click HERE to learn more. This store is hip and trending! Check out some of the "tea" on this sassy local boutique down here in Tallahassee, Florida.

rebelsmidtownboutique Two Rebels are better than one!! 😎😎 Once this Covid-19 is over...go hang with them! They are sure to make your day brighter!





REBELS' MIDTOWN BOUTIQUE is an edgy twist on the traditional storefront. Our spirited shopping experience includes local libations like craft beer on tap & boutique wines, trending fashions for both women & men, art, jewelry and creations by local artisans, as well as gifts and accessories for every occasion. Drop in for a drink and tap into your Rebel Spirit at Rebels’ Midtown Boutique. Locally owned and operated. You can find them on all social media platforms. (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and good ole' Google!)

LOCAL LIBATIONS



They contacted me about a spot light on a local teacher. Their blog site is located here. Take a look....

How long have you been a teacher in Tallahassee (Leon County) and where do you teach?  
17 years in Leon County but this is my 29th year teaching art. We moved from Atlanta in 2003. I started teaching in 1991. I teach at Maclay School. I am one of 4 Visual Arts Teachers on our campus. I am the Middle School Art Teacher and the Co-Chair of the Fine Arts Department.

How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?  
I became a teacher because it was the right thing for me to do for my personality. I love learning and I love seeing/helping other people learn. Being a teacher allows me to be a student for life. Teaching is also one of the “helping" professions that are vital to the success of any society. I want to be part of the solution to our society's ills, and teaching allows me to do that daily.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job? 
Developing personal and intentional relationships with kids (and their families like you, the Ausleys) and watching them grow up. The best is the look on kids' faces when they understand something they didn't understand before art class. Like how to make a clay pinch pot or blow a glass bead.

What has been the most challenging aspect of teaching during this time of quarantine?  what have you found that has allowed you to overcome those challenges?
 I miss my students and the Malcay Family! I reach out to my students several times a week. I am also involved in the Maclay CARE Team which allows me to connect directly with several of our families to help them troubleshoot any “issues” they might be experiencing. Like no other time in our world’s history, now is a time to come together even though we must be apart. Yes, we are socially distant but with intentional messaging and communication we can keep us even more connected. 

Any activity suggestions for parents who are home with their kids during this time? 
We have lots of creative ideas to offer on our @MaclayFineArts Instagram account. If anyone is feeling artsy give it a look. I think being flexible is key during this pandemic. No 2 days are going to be the same, so they should just embrace the change and relish in the little things. 

What are the three things every parent could use to make it easier for the children to learn right now?  
1.    A growth mindset
2.    Acknowledge and embrace the imperfections
3.    View challenges as opportunities


What suggestions do you have for parents to help teachers during this time?
Value the process over the end result. Try different learning tactics as there is no one-size fits all model for learning / teaching. What works for one person may not work for another. Cultivate your “grit”. I believe students and teachers with “grit” have more success in all that they do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

I know I did. I am connected online with over 20,000 art teachers. One group was just formed during this pandemic. It is called Online Art Teachers (K-12). This group is amazing at sharing ideas that have worked for them. So, reach out and connect. I think the Beatles said it best…We get by with a little help from our friends.

What is your teaching motto? or favorite quote? you would like to share? 
Funny you should ask…I made a goal a few years back to Read 30 books, Create 30 original pieces of Art, and listen to 30 new podcast each year. Latest book I read was "Everything is Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo So, yep, in a nutshell that is my new word for life and in my classroom because Everything is “Figureoutable”

What do you like to do when you are not 'teaching'?  
 I do love family time! I feel like I am on a MAGICALLY-DELICIOUS creative journey and I want to enjoy what ever adventure comes my way with my family and friends. 

How would you describe your 'fashion’ style at home during this time of social distancing and how does it differ when in the classroom? 
 I am like “casual” Friday every day.

As a Rebels’ customer, what is one or more of your favorite purchases and why? 
I love when my daughter comes home from college. She is a student at Rhodes College in Memphis. One of her favorite shops is Rebels’! The last time she was home we went shopping and she purchased this way super cool hat. She prides herself in sharing with her friends and sorority sisters that she purchased it from a fantastic boutique in Tallahassee.

What do you enjoy most about living in the Tallahassee area?  
It has been a wonderful place to raise a family. I love teaching and the pace in Tallahassee is not as hectic as it was in Atlanta! Our community will rally and show empathy in a crisis it just makes my heart smile to live here. 

Other links to Rebels'
https://www.tallahasseemagazine.com/2019-holiday-gift-guide/rebels-6784-ccsz/

https://www.wtxl.com/news/leon-county-promotes-small-business-saturday/article_a56e36a4-f036-11e8-915f-c7406248909a.html

https://www.talchamber.com/ribbon-cutting-rebels-midtown-boutique/


One might ask how I know Kelly. Well,  I was her kids art teacher! Our kids became friends and so did our families. Here is a small glimpse in the past below. As both of us now how college aged kids! From Guatemala to Dog Island...lots of memories and laughter! And, we do have the photos to prove it!


















💚, 1969


No comments:

Post a Comment