August Take 5
In the classroom with Angela Hewett
ANGELA HEWETT, New Hanover County Schools’ 2017-18 Educator of the Year, says collaboration among her students is important now more than ever. She teaches visual arts at Ashley High School and believes that students need that social interaction to learn how to offer and take criticism respectfully. Since Hewett teaches both beginner visual arts and advanced placement art, she has worked with many students throughout their high school journey. It was Hewett’s own high school art teacher who encouraged her to continue trying new things and pursue art further. After studying visual arts at Appalachian State University, Hewett started working at Ashley High in 2005.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BE A TEACHER?
“Despite the positive influence from many teachers in my family, I never anticipated joining the teaching profession. I simply imagined a wealthier lifestyle and wanted a more impressive story. Although I was accepted to Wake Forest University to pursue medicine and received the title of valedictorian, I just could not ignore the personal discoveries I had made as an artist. What originated as a frivolous elective choice became an exciting possibility for my life. I’m proud to share that my teaching career was greatly influenced by my high school art teacher, Mr. Gibbs, who cultivated an unrecognized talent and interest into a passion that drives me daily. I enjoy sharing with students how one high school class changed the course of my life.”
IF YOU WEREN’T TEACHING VISUAL ARTS, WHAT OTHER SUBJECT COULD YOU SEE YOURSELF TEACHING?
“There is no other; I was created for this!”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ART?
“A painting by my first AP Studio Art student, Lauren Lee. I was able to buy it from her at Art for the Masses years ago. She teaches art in Florida now. It symbolizes more than this magazine can contain.”
WHAT WOULD YOUR STUDENTS BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU?
“I got my first paying job in third grade working in potatoes.”
WHAT CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL TREND BAFFLES YOU?
“I can’t seem to accept the explosion of online interactions and the decay of authentic human connection. A puppy-faced Snapchat can’t satisfy and challenge the soul like unedited, face-to-face conversation can.”
To view more of photographer Chris Brehmer's work, visit chrisbrehmerphotography.com.
