Abby Neale '13: Sharing a Love of Arts and Education
Abby Neale '13 is a teaching artist in Boston public schools. They shared how their Bennington education has supported them through their career path.
Tell us about your current career–where are you working, and in what position?
I am a teaching artist in Boston public schools and an artist. I teach visual arts to pre-K through sixth grade students and mentor other teachers. As a practicing artist, I have a studio and run a small business making prints and zines.
Does your current job relate to your Bennington education?
I studied social psychology, education philosophy, and sculpture. I use my skills all the time–especially when collaborating with grade-level teachers to connect art curriculum to other subjects. I also sprinkle my modern dance memories into my kindergarten classes.
How did your Field Work Term experiences connect to or inspire your current career path?
I worked in community arts programs and quickly learned that I wanted to be in a teaching role, rather than behind the scenes in administration. I also learned that educators are constantly building relationships with each other to build networks of practice and mentorship.
What are some of your proudest professional achievements and/or current goals?
I have been invited to teach zine making in libraries, presented at conferences, and set up a mentoring program with other art teachers. I have also been commissioned by the cities of Boston and Sommerville for community arts programs. My current goal is to organize guest artists to visit elementary classrooms for co-creation sessions.
Do you have any career advice to share with current Bennington students?
Be a joiner! Seek out events in your community related–even tangentially–to your career interests. Art openings, volunteering, lectures, or library events can all build connections with folks in your field. Also, see what job search tools are available in your local community, such as resume writing support and job fairs.