During the year, I felt that it was important that students be able to experience history through a different lens than Zoom. For my second inquiry, I wanted to encourage diversity and constructive interactions by introducing an art project while the students were studying the Romantic and Realist period.
The project the students were given was to review paintings and sculptures from the Romanticist and Realist period, and recreate it using their everyday surroundings. While students didn't really feel a connection to the art of the period, using the internet and some museum websites that provided virtual tours, we explored a variety of artists, their inspiration, and their art.
For the second part of the project, students were expected to recreate a painting or sculpture using items they found around the house. I wanted students to connect with the art in a manner that allowed them to reflect their life, attitude and reality. Many of the subjects and samples that we studied did not reflect the students because the subjects in the art did not look like the students. Putting them "in" the photo enabled them to draw connections to the period by realizing themselves as subjects.
This assignment really was successful for the students, because it gave them a significant amount of freedom to produce a product that reflected their own image and surroundings. Many of the students works echoed their current condition, as they struggled to deal with family members getting laid off due to Covid, helping around the house, or struggling with in-home learning. The students really came to understand the realist point of view, and the driving attitudes of the periods they studied.
STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE STRENGTHS
I have had the pleasure of working with Richard Roumimper over the last couple years. Since that time, Rick has done an outstanding job of really connecting with his students. He is tasked with serving students that are at-risk and generally have a negative approach to school. One of Rick’s greatest strengths is that he works hard to connect with his students, help them find their confidence in themselves and empower them to access their education.
Rick has worked extremely hard to develop a system of assistance and support for his students. Rick spends time getting to know his students; taking time to talk with them and build relationships. Students have frequently commented that Mr. Roumimper help them gain back their confidence with their academic ability and that they appreciate his constant positive energy and willingness to support them.
He helps build their academic and self-confidence up through his instructional strategies and positive demeanor. Rick is an integral part of our district and we are proud of what he has brought to OHS and LEUSD. Rick has set the bar high in LEUSD with regards to new teachers, and his unique background and life experiences really shine through in his teaching and leadership style.