Tell us about yourself:
My name is Tammy Sparks and I am the Visual Arts Department Chair at Saint Joseph Academy. This is my 22nd year of teaching. I love warm days, reading a good book, making art and exploring National Parks. My favorite thing is spending time with my family and treasure the moments when both of my children come home from college.
How do you support students in northeast Ohio?
Besides teaching I am the PR/Advocacy Representative for Northeast Ohio for the Ohio Art Educator Association. I work to help teachers, administrators, schools and communities recognize the importance of the arts in all schools.
If you have one goal for students or teachers in northeast Ohio, what would it be and why?
My dream is that all students could have access to quality education, materials to support their learning and living, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. There is far too great a discrepancy in school funding based solely on the school’s location.
What would you consider yourself an expert in and how did you gain your expertise?
I wouldn’t consider myself an expert in anything but an active student in a lot of things.
What is a school, teacher, group, organization or learning community in northeast Ohio that holds a special place in your heart?
Both the OAEA (Ohio Art Educator Association) and NAEA (National Art Education Association) are organized by teachers, for teachers. I greatly appreciate a community that is like minded that understands the needs oof teachers and supports our continued learning and training.
Why are you excited to be part of the #weteachCLE community?
I think it’s important for educators to support, encourage and learn from each other.
What is your favorite space in northeast Ohio?
The Cleveland Museum of Art is by far the best place in the city. It is one of the best museums in the entire country, it’s free and it’s in our backyard!
Is it called soda or pop?
Pop, of course.
Share with us your favorite way to combat the Sunday Scaries.
Sundays are best spent wrapped in a blanket on the coach, watching a good movie to forget about the tasks of the coming week if just for a coupe of hours.
