The Star of the Show: Arts Teachers in Atlanta

Lynn Luster

These local arts teachers love inspiring the next generation of artists.

Lynn Luster, Upper School Learning Architect and Arts Teacher at Mount Vernon School

While apprenticing in New York City, Luster realized how lonely it could be to spend so much time solo in an art studio. She thought teaching would help her connect to others. “I loved the process of being a learner alongside my students and discovering new ways of expression together. I loved building a culture inside my little classroom. I loved the creativity of always learning a new technique or medium.”

Though she originally taught visual arts, Luster started to teach maker classes, and when she learned about a position at Mount Vernon School, the role felt like it was meant for her.

The Maker, Art, and Design program includes subjects many wouldn’t initially think of as art, such as engineering, audio engineering and coding. Arts subjects can be meaningfully integrated into technology and math curriculum.

The arts challenge students in new ways. “We need sensory-emotional work in balance with brain-power work. Because of the culture at my school, it is cool to try something new in the arts. I will often have a student who is not your typical artist. If they will allow themselves to try it, they almost always have a wonderful experience.”

She hopes to encourage her students to appreciate the arts now and in the future. “I love the idea of giving students a wonderful experience in our classroom, so they go and support artists as adults. Art is a way to process and celebrate life. It mirrors so many of our life experiences. It’s so deep and so human to connect to expression.”

Jenny Gould

Jenny Gould, Upper School Dance Program Director at Woodward Academy

Gould started dancing for health reasons. “When I was a baby, I had to wear braces on my legs. I was born pigeon-toed and had flat feet, so I had corrective shoes to correct my alignment. The doctor told my mom, ‘You should get her in dance, because it’ll help her muscular development.’”

At age 5, she joined a creative movement class, but she hated it. A year later, after seeing all the fun her older sister was having, she begged her mom to let her rejoin. This time, it clicked. “It became a sanctuary for me in my childhood. I loved dance. I loved being able to move. It was my escape. It’s always been a part of my life – it’s like a good friend.”

Gould became a professional dancer. After spending time in New York City and San Francisco, she returned to Atlanta and began working at Woodward Academy, where she’s taught since 2002. Since then, she has doubled the size of the program. “I wanted it to feel like a conservatory for the kids. I wanted to give back.”

She loves collaborating with her students. “My favorite part is the creative alliance with them. They’re so talented, and they’re so hungry for that connection. It’s a college prep school, so there’s a lot of academics and studying. Dance is their escape. They can de-stress and be who they are.”

She loves witnessing the growth in her students. “Each time they go on stage, it’s a confidence builder. When you see them perform, you’re seeing how their confidence level goes up. You’re giving them the opportunity to create something that’s coming from their heart and soul, which can be vulnerable for them. My joy is giving them the space to do that.”

Megan Brooker / RS PHOTOGRAPHY

Meagan Brooker, Assistant Director of Fine Arts, High School Art/Photography Teacher and Creative Chapel Coordinator at Wesleyan School

Being a teacher wasn’t something Brooker considered before college. She had student teaching stints in both elementary and high schools. “When I started looking into art education, I went into classes to teach. I was naturally good at engaging with students and coming up with creative ideas. I used my creativity in this new way in teaching others to use and wrangle their creativity.”

At Wesleyan School, Brooker teaches 2D art classes in drawing and painting for high school students. As the assistant director for fine arts, she’s involved in arts education for grades K-12. With her different roles, she stays busy, but no day is the same. “If it’s not teaching or prepping for the next project, it’s hanging artwork, grading artwork, communicating with parents, seeing how other teachers are doing or leading mentor groups.”

Her favorite part of teaching is the students. “Kids love it, because we are OK with their mess. They can come in and be themselves. I love when they find success in whatever we’re working on. It’s hard to put what’s in your brain onto paper or canvas. I love when they’ve done it, and they’re proud of themselves.”

Whether or not a student will pursue an arts career, Brooker believes there is deep meaning in exploring art. “For the whole child, they need a space to breathe. They need space to do something outside of themselves – playing music, singing, art – to get that innate quality of self. I encourage parents, whether or not they’re good at it, help kids find fulfillment in doing something with their body and brain.”

Ryan Stadler, World Language Department Chair and Theatre Director at The Walker School

Ryan Stadler

Stadler’s mom ran the theatre program at Marist School. She was pregnant with him when she was choreographing one of her first shows, so he was born to be a performer. He acted in his school play every year. “I absolutely loved it. Being on a stage was my favorite thing in the world.”

Stadler took a circular route to end up as a theatre teacher in Atlanta himself. He worked as a professional performer in the city before attending college. After, he moved to New York, working in both musical theatre and acting. When he and his wife moved back to Atlanta, he hoped to be a theatre teacher. There weren’t many openings, so he returned to school to learn how to teach Spanish. At The Walker School, he mentioned that in an ideal world, he’d teach Spanish and work in the theatre. Following his original passion, he recently became certified to teach theatre with a master’s degree.

At Walker, Stadler teaches Spanish classes and is the department chair. He also teaches a theatre class and directs the middle and upper school plays.

It takes a village. Most people immediately think of the actors, but the art of theatre requires many different roles for a play to come together. “What I love the most about theatre is it’s truly a collaborative experience. You have a production team, sets, lighting, sound, a props department, a costumes department. These different people with these different skills make up the entire world of the production.”

His favorite part of the day are rehearsals. “I love going to rehearsals and working with the kids. With young actors, they’re learning how to make connections in the script. If there’s a joke in it, they’re learning how to make the comedy work. They’re discovering the moments with their fellow actors. It’s wonderful to see the kids connect with the character they’re playing and with the story.”