Diane Wilkin, an instructor of art education at Moore College of Art & Design, is the recipient of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) Outstanding Educator of the Year award. She will receive it in a virtual ceremony October 16.
“Teaching is a work in progress,” she said. “You are continually adding and culling new materials and skills in response to cultural and technological shifts and developments.”
After pursuing different paths and interests, including medical transcription and photographing operating room procedures, Wilkin eventually found her niche in teaching. She speaks energetically about art education. One of the major points of teaching for her is the perpetual sense of learning, and the joy that can be brought to the classroom.
“Never stop learning, you can do it,” she said. “Get rid of self-doubt. Students can learn so much from watching a teacher be a learner right along with them.”
Wilkin taught studio arts such as general art, jewelry, sculpture and photography for 24 years at Harry S. Truman High School in Levittown, PA, before coming to Moore. Future goals include teaching adult populations hands-on tactile experiences and staying connected through policy, advocacy and work with communities.
Through her work with many mediums and art forms, such as craft, paper-making, clay, fibers, sculpture, photography and digital media, she has gained visual, tactile and applicable experiences. Wilkin believes art is a basic component of communication, and that art crosses many spaces and platforms in the world.
Wilkin cherishes her memberships in the PAEA and the National Art Education Association.
“Belonging to a professional organization is really important, as it enriches your classroom and learning environment,” she said. She regularly speaks at state and local conferences about what her students are doing. “By sharing ideas with others, you enrich your own program through the feedback you get.”
Read more about her here.
