Student Kaytee Walker nominated her art teacher, Michael Heinz, for the 2015 Creative Outlook Magazine’s Art Teacher of the Year. Heinz teaches at Fruitport Community Schools in Fruitport, Michigan.
According to Walker, Mr. Heinz should be named Creative Outlook Magazine’s Art Teacher of the Tear “because he is an inspiration.” She goes on to say:
He pushes the students to do their best, even if they do not want to achieve it themselves. By giving assignments with loose guidelines, Mr. Heinz forces his students to express their creativity; resulting in no two pieces ever being the same. I think by doing this he helps students achieve their own artistic vision which is one of the hardest things to do. While he faces many problems with students unwilling to take the time to try out his methods, he always comes to class with a smile on his face greeting everyone that enters his classroom. He is always there whenever someone needs help. He just knows if you’re struggling by the look on your face. I have always liked art, but it was not until high school when I had Mr. Heinz that my true passion was ignited. He has taught me so much, and showed me how to look at art in different ways. One of the most important lessons I have learned from him is there comes a time when every artist needs to put down thebrush or pencil and be done with a piece. This is extremely hard for me because I’m a perfectionist. However, with Mr. Heinz’s unwavering patience, I was able to learn when to call a piece done. He is also one of the kindest teachers there is, a dying breed that actually takes the time to learn more about his students in order to make their experience more enjoyable. I sincerely hope I can be like him one day. He’s not just an amazing art teacher, but also an AMAZING role model.
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