I fear I was too taken by surprise to really thank you all for the honor you gave me Thursday night. To be selected as Teacher of the Year from such a distinguished group of teachers such as those in attendance at the Awards Ceremony is indeed high praise. As I was meeting and chatting with everyone before the event I was struck with awe. Here were most of the people I look to as singular examples of excellence in the Art Education field. Each has directed students to achieve excellence time and time again. When I have someone struggling with a particular media I think of a teacher whose students produce work of quality and direct my student to look at how “X’s” students have handled the media. I do this as much as I direct them to professional artist because this is their peers, kids just like them solving problems. It is interesting that I think of the teachers I know first and professional artist second, and more amazing still is the fact that so many of those teacher were in attendance Thursday night. Trying to speak extemporaneously in front of such a pantheon of art elite made me forget to mention how much I admire them all and look to them for guidance. I wish I had said that!

I also wish I had told the students in attendance just how much the work they produce impresses me. I know that there is some disappointment when you are included in the first five names read out in your media division. However, they should not forget that there were 1,307 other hard working, talented students who would have given much just to be standing on that stage Thursday night! Your work resonated with a panel of judges, and in some way communicated what you hoped to say in the way you meant to say it. This is what we as artist hope to achieve, this is what we want our work to do. To be on the stage that night meant that beyond the technical expertise you brought to bear on this particular piece you gave it voice. It is certain that not every piece I have made achieved this, much grunt work has to be done, many failures precede any success; but the elation when it happens is worth everything. As a teacher and an artist I know you must love the work that comes with being a practicing artist; and as another artist who is still practicing, no matter how you placed in this year’s competition, practice, practice, practice. Those who gave up didn’t even enter a piece this year, perhaps you will be the example for those next year who will be standing where you were, you all are shining examples of hard work, talent, and perseverance this year, and I applauded your efforts this year. How I wish I had said that Thursday night!

I also wish I had done a better job of extolling the efforts of Culture Shapers, Ernie, Lyn, Shawn and Kay, along with all the volunteers who put so much into making this event happen each year. I know that without the support of all your sponsors, Administaff, The Nathaniel Foundation and many more this dream you have all been building would be impossible. There are no words to express the admiration I have for this endeavor, and I know that any meager attempts on my part to help out, moving chairs, checking in work, and sitting out pieces before the judging days cannot remotely be compared to the work that is logistically required, I hope you know that any time I have surrounding this event is your time. The recognition these young artist receive today from Culture Shapers affects the rest of their lives, and therefore ours. I believe that the seeds for the next generation of art educators are also generated by the efforts of Culture Shapers. These are two things I have spent my life working toward, and so therefore I feel such a deep connection to and an immense appreciation for you all. Besides all that being said, you are all such caring, fun, and dedicated people with such an infectious love of kids and life who would not want to be around you? I wish I had had the presence of mind to have said that.

I also wish (I seem to have a lot of wishes, don’t I?) I had done a better job of commending my school and the support I receive of everyone associated with The John Cooper School. Somehow through the chaos of materials, and projects that over flow from my classroom; which resembles a three ring circus most of the time they are always there to support me. Sculpture which comprises most of what I teach (except I never met a media I didn’t like) takes a lot of packing and toting and stuffing, and there is always something breaking at the very last moment before a show deadline. There is the loading and unloading of pieces, and the paperwork (my worst nightmare) which I could not handle without the people I teach with being there for me. SO to Jayla, Barbara, Emily, and Jane… Thank you so much. Then there is Karen with whom I also teach, but am also married to. She puts up with so much from me. If you have not lived with a sculptor and sculpture teacher you can only imagine how difficult it is. Without her support I could not do the job in the way I have to do my job, and the fact that I failed to mention this shows how flustered I was that night. How could I forget to mention the one person who makes all this possible???

And then there is the school administration and staff at JCS. Mike Maher, Headmaster, and Joe Broccoli, Head of the upper school. Both I count as friends; both give support and guidance in so many areas in and out of the classroom. I am very fortunate to work in where the emphasis is on the kids, where everyone is trying to help them find success in every area of endeavor they pursue. Unique people, in a unique atmosphere, as a teacher who could not want to give their very best effort? I ought to have mentioned that Thursday night.

I am the most fortunate of people. I do what I love best, make art. I get to teach it to others, with the hope that it will have a similar affect on their lives as it has had on mine. I have a bumper sticker on my car that says, “Art saves lives” I am sure if it didn’t actually save my life, it gave it direction and purpose; in effect given it meaning, form and expression. I feel I have a responsibility therefore to pass it on to someone. As a teacher I cannot possibly know which student I will have an effect on (if any) so I must teach each one as if they are “that one”. I do not want to have missed the opportunity so each one has to be treated as precious, and unique; anyone of them could be the next Mary Cassatt, Pablo Picasso, or Michelangelo. Goodness knows I have missed the teachable moment many times, said the wrong thing at the wrong time, and to those people I can only apologize. I hope my care for you, and my desire for you to stretch yourself to find your uniqueness in the universe overshadows the clumsiness of my efforts. Receiving this award only emphasizes your contribution to this night, each of you (were) are the reason I teach. I hold this award as legacy for you because it really belongs to you. I expect you to come and take my place standing here one day soon. Oh, I really wanted to say that… I really hope that!

Guys, in hindsight this is what I would have like to have said, or something very close to it. I am sorry that the emotions of moment robbed me of the words I wished I had crafted for this occasion. I am still overwhelmed by the Teacher of the Year Award and cannot thank you enough for the honor.

Bob Mosier
Artist in Residence,
The John Cooper School
The Woodlands, TX