SeDoMoCha MS’ Tardif receives Maine Art Education Association Outstanding Service Through the Profession honor
LEWISTON — On April 27 SeDoMoCha Middle School art teacher Bobbi Tardif of RSU 68 in Dover-Foxcroft was presented with the 2018 Maine Art Education Association’s Outstanding Service Through the Profession honor during a ceremony at Lewiston Middle School.
The Maine Art Education Association is a statewide professional organization whose members are committed to excellence in visual arts education. The organization recognizes Maine’s art educators for excellent service to their profession, their schools and their communities.
In her acceptance speech Tardif said, “When I think about the word ‘outstanding’ — it describes the students I work with everyday. My students are the reason I continue to push myself. I want to model a commitment to education and the benefits of the creative process. I want to instill a love and passion for the the arts that can be appreciated throughout their lives.
“We need to continue supporting the arts for them! Art should be at the center of education! We need to keep expanding our arts programs, integrating arts throughout curriculums, and funding the arts to ensure that our students have the tools needed for innovation and creativity in the 21st century!
“I will continue to do my part to strive to provide the best art education I can because in the end it isn’t just our students who need art. .. we all need art! Art brings us together, it unifies us!”
“Bobbi is an amazing artist, but more importantly she is an amazing woman,” said Gary Dorman artistic director of the Levi Stewart Community Theatre in Corinna. “She is always so friendly and considerate of others around her, making sure everyone is giving it their all.”
“Bobbi is one of the most caring knowledgeable educators that I have had the privilege of working my 30 years in education and she is an incredible arts advocate,” said RSU 68 Superintendent Stacy Shorey. “She truly cares about every student and gives each student multiple opportunities to express themselves. I am very proud to have her on the staff at SeDoMoCha!”
“Bobbi is reflective in her work and is a huge advocate for peer learning,” said SeDoMoCha School literacy teacher Carolyn Clark. “She was willing to participate in a peer observation study where she observed and was observed by multiple teachers. It became so apparent from her answers during the study that she keeps student learning as the main focus. It was obvious through Mrs. Tardif’s thoughts and suggestions for peers that she has a strong foundational practice. She recommended environmental and instructional practices that would help improve any classroom.”
“To walk into Mrs. Tardif’s classroom is to walk into a space that has been transformed from a former industrial arts room into a space that showcases student’s artwork,” said SeDoMoCha School Principal Julie Kimball. “One has to see it to fully appreciate it!”
“Since Bobbi Tardif began teaching at SeDoMoCha Middle School the art program has flourished,” said SeDoMoCha School music teacher Kaitlin Young — the 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year. “The art room has become a place for students to learn, collaborate, and create works of art that they are proud to share with their entire community. No matter what project comes her way Mrs. Tardif finds a way to provide an authentic meaningful experience for her students and the entire community.”
Contributed photo
OUTSTANDING SERVICE THROUGH THE PROFESSION — SeDoMoCha Middle School art teacher Bobbi Tardif, center, was presented with the 2018 Maine Art Education Association’s Outstanding Service Through the Profession honor during a ceremony at Lewiston Middle School on Friday, April 27. Pictured with Tardif are, from left, SeDoMoCha School Principal Julie Kimball, music teacher Kaitlin Young, elementary art teacher Martha Ladd and literacy teacher Carolyn Clark.
Contributed photo
OUTSTANDING SERVICE THROUGH THE PROFESSION — SeDoMoCha Middle School art teacher Bobbi Tardif was presented with the 2018 Maine Art Education’ Association’s Outstanding Service Through the Profession honor during a ceremony at Lewiston Middle School on April 27.