Story & Photos By: Jo Mathis / AAPS
Emily Stepnick grew up in northwest Ohio before her family relocated to Saline during her high school years. She pursued her passion for art education, earning her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees at Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University, and later her master’s degree in Visual Arts Education from EMU. Stepnick began her teaching career at a charter school and a Montessori school before finding her home seven years ago in Ann Arbor Public Schools. She says she hopes to continue teaching art in AAPS for the rest of her career.
King Elementary Principal Koren Clinkscale says Stepnick is an exceptional human being who utilizes every ounce of her skill set to pour into the students she teaches.
“Students develop a curiosity for art that is nourished throughout the many projects they complete in Emily’s classroom,” says Clinkscale. “Students not only learn to speak the language of a true artist, but they develop lifelong skills that help them enjoy creating and engaging with art in the natural world.”
Do you remember when you first realized you’re an artist? I remember drawing and creating since I can remember. I liked sitting at my desk in my bedroom to work on drawings of my stuffed animals and dolls. I had a first grade teacher who encouraged my love of writing and illustrating my own stories and spiral-bound several of them for me, which was so special to me. I enjoyed the artistic aspects of projects as I continued through middle and high school. I was usually busy making something with my hands like sewing clothes or bags, various crafting projects, and drawing. It was when I worked as a before and after-school teacher I learned how much I enjoyed working with children. I knew then that I wanted to share my love of art with children.
Creating is still one of my biggest hobbies. I became interested in paper and book arts when I worked at Hollander’s in Ann Arbor and decided to start selling my own handbound notebooks. I specialize in the Coptic stitch technique, but I also like to make upcycled notebooks and put together paper packs with my own stamped and painted papers. I’ve sold my items at A2 Community Bookfest, Literati, and DIYpsi. I’ve sold my journals to people around the country and internationally as well.
Describe an average workday.
It’s certainly changed over the years, but I usually get to work by 8 a.m. That usually gives me enough time to get things set up and organized for the day. It also gives me a little time to connect with my colleagues I see in the hallway. I have drop-off duty in the morning which is a nice way to start the day. My days are full of teaching, planning lessons, prepping, and organizing art materials. I usually spend some of the day taking photos of student art to upload to Artsonia, an online art gallery.
Why did you want to work for Ann Arbor Public Schools?
AAPS has always been my dream job. I knew I ultimately wanted to end up close to family and friends and the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti area is home to me.
What do you like about working at King and Angell specifically?
I am so fortunate that I can sincerely say my colleagues are such special and kind people. I’ve always been split with my time between Angell and King and they both immediately felt like home to me. I feel supported, loved, cared for, and trusted as a professional in both schools.
What’s the happiest part of your workday?
Besides the actual teaching, which brings me so much joy, I really get happiness from connecting with students outside of class as well – in the hallways or during morning drop off or afternoon pick up. I work mostly with the younger students and they are always so eager to smile, wave, or give a high five.
What do you want most for your students?
What I want most for my students is to build their confidence through creating art. Seeing students persevere and have a sense of accomplishment is so fulfilling.
Favorite podcasts, websites, apps:
Artsonia is my favorite website as an art educator and I’ve been using it for at least 10 years. It’s a student art gallery where I upload photos of all completed projects. Parents and extended families can see when a new artwork is added and they can comment on it if they’d like. They can also purchase items with their child’s art on it and part of the proceeds goes directly back to the art program to purchase even more art supplies.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
There are certainly challenging things with any job, but it’s sometimes challenging to connect with students as much as I’d like to as a specials teacher. Sometimes it feels like there’s not quite enough time to connect with each individual student, which is why I find those hallway moments so special. On the days when it feels like it’s just one class after another after another and I’m trying to squeeze in so much teaching and learning, it can feel like I probably didn’t connect with every student during the day. I’ve tried my best to slow down and find moments to connect more with my students, and I hope they feel that too.
Is your home filled with your artwork? What’s your favorite medium?
I’m a bit of a minimalist, but the artworks I do have are mostly created by people I know locally, and a few that I painted myself.
Can you spot a particularly artistic student from an early age?
I agree with Pablo Picasso when he said, “Every child is an artist.” There is nothing quite like children’s pure, uninhibited approach to making art, especially with the age group I currently teach.
How is teaching different from the way you imagined it would be?
I didn’t realize how much teaching would be about connections and classroom management. Without those two things, it’s pretty difficult to teach, regardless of what is being taught.
What advice would you give to a first-year teacher?
YOU CAN DO IT. It takes time to find your style and rhythm, but it will get better. The first year or two of teaching can be really challenging, tiring, and daunting, but go easy on yourself and keep persevering. Find a support system and get yourself a mentor. It’s okay to get support and ask for help. It will all pay off.
What’s the best compliment anyone could give you?
I think any compliment is so nice to receive. Just the fact that someone took the time to notice something positive about me and tell me that they noticed is heartwarming. It’s nice to be recognized for anything I’ve put time, effort, and thought into.
What is the most rewarding part of teaching?
Seeing the joy radiating from students when they created something they’re proud of.
How do you spend your summers? Soaking in the sun, relaxing, hammocking, hiking, making art, and spending time with friends and family.
