Byram Hills High School is offering students a new way to grow their leadership skills: the Teacher Assistant in Arts Leadership position.
Now in its second year, the role involves advanced art students working with students in introductory art courses. Students apply to become a TA, and must have completed two credits in arts courses, received a recommendation from a past art teacher and sit for an interview.
The TAs are scheduled into a half-year beginner course, where they provide in-class support to students and may develop and teach lessons, assess learning, help manage materials, lead discussions and work sessions, and be another set of hands for the teacher.
“The idea of the teaching assistant is to be a role model for how to think and work as an artist,” visual art teacher Amy Menasche said. “They become another friendly face of instruction and help create a welcoming learning environment.”
Ms. Menasche said teaching assistants help students think through their projects and provide technical help as well. “They’re an extension of the instructor, but are super accessible because they’re a peer,” she said, adding that her students love having a TA in the room.
The most important quality for a TA, Ms. Menasche said, is to show initiative. “Our best TAs are those who are genuine and friendly and sense what is needed before being asked to do it,” she said.
In Ms. Menasche’s Studio in Crafts class this fall, her TA is senior Sarah Bogart, a sculpture student taking AP 3D Design.
Sarah has been a great TA. “She has wonderful conversations with the students and she’s really good at reading the room,” Ms. Menasche said.
Being a TA has been a fun and rewarding experience for Sarah. “I love seeing creative people being creative,” she said. “The best part has been guiding them and helping make sure they feel confident in their work.”
Working with beginner students has helped her become a leader.
“I love when they ask me for help,” Sarah said. “It makes me feel like they trust me and it makes me feel like I’ve grown as a teacher. I feel like they can rely on me. It’s a nice feeling.”
By being a TA, art students learn they have the power to help others create.
“It’s good for the TA to see the different ways that other less experienced students come to artmaking and to figure out how to support somebody for whom art may not be a natural activity,” Ms. Menasche said. “They learn that they can contribute to other people’s understanding and enjoyment of art.”
Director of Fine Arts Marc Beja said the new leadership opportunity, which is also available for high-achieving music students, has been exciting to see.
“A teacher can often explain things so beautifully, but sometimes a student can help reframe that in a way that just clicks with students in a different and helpful way,” he said. “It’s been amazing to watch our advanced art students helping their peers and passing their love of art on to the beginner students.”
Back in Studio in Crafts, Sarah has made meaningful connections with her students and appreciates their passion.
“It’s pretty great,” Sarah said. “I always look forward to being here.”
