Anna Davis, a visual arts teacher at Timpanogos High School and a visual arts content specialist for Alpine School District, was selected as a Hope Street Group Utah Teacher Fellow.
“Arts education is especially important in building the whole child. The arts connect us to our humanity," said Davis. “Creating a work of art requires students to be creative, to create meaning, to solve problems along the way, and to learn how to stick with something until it is finished.”
This cohort of Utah Teacher Fellows includes Davis and 20 other educators from across the state. The program is designed to connect classroom teachers with education policymakers, providing teachers with a platform to share their experiences and influence educational decisions.
Part of why I wanted to join this group is to expand my network and connect with other passionate teachers as we learn from one another," Davis said.
Davis will remain a full-time educator while dedicating approximately 10 hours a month to program activities like data collection and professional learning sessions, all while receiving an annual stipend for her time and expertise.
The program encourages fellows to make their voices heard through various channels, including writing, videos, and social media, to share the real-world experiences of being an educator.
Davis represent the best of arts education in the state. The selection process for the Hope Street Group Teacher Fellows program is highly competitive and rigorous. Successful applicants, like Davis, demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, perseverance, initiative, and a deep respect for their profession.
She organized a display of art from teachers in Alpine School District that was featured in a video spotlight.
As the only arts educator in her cohort, Davis feels a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for this critical part of a student's education, ensuring that the arts are recognized for their vital role in developing well-rounded individuals.