Meet Heather McCutcheon

Heather McCutcheon

The Herkimer Central School District Spotlight showcases student, graduate and staff member successes.

McCutcheon is Arts in Education coordinator for Herkimer Central School District, New York State Art Teachers Association Region 3 Co-Chair and a co-chair of Youth Art Month for New York state.

Heather McCutcheon teaches art at Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School and serves as the district’s Arts in Education coordinator. She is a former CNY Arts’ Decentralization Arts Education grant recipient for Herkimer County, a grant panelist, and has participated in the STAR Training Program administered by CNY Arts.

McCutcheon was interviewed by CNY Arts during Arts in Education Week in September. Here’s an excerpt from her interview:

What drew you to education?

The love of learning and art is what drew me to education. At a young age I loved drawing and painting. Middle school was the first time I was in a public school which meant art class with an art teacher. I was so excited and knew this is what I wanted to do. Throughout high school and college my goal was always the same: To strive for the best and show others how great the arts are!

How do you think arts education can help students address current issues in our society?

Art is an outlet for students to express their feelings and thoughts. This is a very important part of our daily life. Especially now that media and technology seem to be the most important thing to many. With Art Education students seem to connect on a different level with each other, and seem to connect better. The arts seem to challenge students and their though process. We want our students to be 21st century learners. Yes, technology is a big part of that, but creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication are also huge. You can find all of these things in my art classroom!

Read more: National Arts in Education Week Educator Spotlight with Heather McCutcheon

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