By:  Rachel Williams, CHS Scratching Post

Two special teachers here at Central have been recognized by their colleagues.  Mrs. Ball and Mrs. Leland have been awarded with two prestigious awards in Tennessee.  There is a special awards recognition day on Friday, November 5th in Nashville, TN at Watkins College of Art.  I had the privilege to speak with these fascinating women and talk about some basic questions pertaining to their awards and teaching in general.



First, we have Mrs. Leland (right in photo).  She received the TAEA East Tennessee Art Educator of 2011 award.

RW:  How long have you been teaching at Central?
Mrs. Leland:  16 years

RW:  Have you taught anywhere else?
Mrs. Leland:  No.  Although I taught adults at TVA as part of the staff program there.  I also worked there in the regional arts program.

RW:  What do you attribute this award to?  How do you think you received it?
Mrs. Leland:  Well, I had to fill out a resume' and I'm sure they are looking for specific things to show your professionalism.

RW:  What sparked your interest in art?
Mrs. Leland:  My whole life I've been into art.  My parents were influential in the sense that my mother was very visual and did needlework in her spare time.  How she decorated the house also played a big role.  My father was more into music than art, though.

RW:  What advice would you give your students or students interested in art at all?
Mrs. Leland:  I have tons of advice, but nothing generic.  Just realize how competitive going into art is and that you will work very hard; you must be dedicated. 

Mrs. Leland's husband was a professor of Art teaching painting at the University of Tennessee for 40 years.  She also has a daughter who is an artist living in New York City.

Next, we have Mrs. Ball (left in photo).  She received the TAEA Tennessee Secondary Art Educator of 2011 award.

RW:  How long have your been teaching?
Mrs. Ball:  16 years.

RW:  Where did you teach prior to Central?
Mrs. Ball:  I taught in West Virginia for four and one-half years, then Kentucky for six years.  I have also taught at Farragut Middle School and Farragut High School.  In 2009, I started teaching at Central.

RW:  What do you attribute the award to?
Mrs. Ball:  I don't know really.

RW:  What sparked your interest in art?
Mrs. Ball:  I have loved art since elementary school.  I would always love to draw and it stuck with me.

RW:  Do you have any advice you would like to give your students?
Mrs. Ball:  Draw everyday to improve and be passionate.  The more passionate you are, the better you'll be.

RW:  Congratulations to both of you and thank you so much for your time!