b'MEMBER SPOTLIGHTMatthew WrightCoronado High School, Lubbock ISDHow did you get into teaching?When I was in high school, I had a few influential teachers that helped inspire my love of learning and my love of Art. When I left for university, I was determined to be the first generation in my family to graduate from college. I wanted a way to be employed that was not just physical work when I graduated, and also wanted a job thatWhat does it mean to be a member of TAEA?would have a positive impact.How have you contributed to the mission of the association?What is your favorite medium to work with? Membership in TAEA has lessened the feelings Clay is the way! When I first started in clay, itofisolationwhenweartteachersarejust was another dimension to my work. Instead ofdifferent within the building. I am blessed to have creating the image with a simulated texture, I wasthe other teachers within my district, but TAEA creating the object with the real texture. Then Iopens up relationships within the Region. Where got into glaze chemistry and atmospheric firingswelookforwardtogettingtogetheratVASE of raku and eventually wood, soda, and salt andteacherminiconferences.Myincreased Who is your favorite artist? involvement in TAEA has increased my network of art teachers even further from the region to a MyfavoriteartistisAntoniGaudi.Visitinghisstatewide network that continues to grow each buildings in Barcelona in person, with the attentionyear. I have contributed to the mission of TAEA to detailand allsurfaces thought aboutwas athrough serving in a variety of roles during my lifechangingexperience.Itisafullimmersivetime in TAEA. In my previous role as Regional experience. It is a bit like Meow Wolf but includesRepresentative, I put together the annual Mini theactualstructureofthebuildingandtheConferencesfortheregionalartteachers. concept goes throughout the entire space. Currently, I serve the roles of being a Regional Share a special memory/moment from yourDirector for both HS VASE and JR VASE, and time as an art educator. also serving as the Executive Board Treasurer. With each role I remain focused on what is the I had a student who refused to work in class,best for our students, our membership, and the and failed the course (twice). The next year theorganization as a whole.Administration and Counselor asked if he shouldWhat do you love most about teaching art? be put in another content so that he could get his credit, I said if he did the work, he shouldIenjoymentoringstudentsandseeingthem not have a problem passing. Fast forward to thepush further in their skills than they thought they end of the school year, he comes up to me atcould achieve. The aha moment when a student graduation with his mother. And he says Mom,understands the how or why is truly priceless. this is Wright, he knew I could do it, he made me actually work, and didnt just pass me.'