221: The Photography Project That Showed Teachers Through a New Lens
Feb 4, 2024
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A teacher shares his experience with a photography project that captures the personalities of teachers, fostering bonds within the staff. They discuss the benefits of photography and creating supportive teacher communities. They also explore the steps to create similar photography projects and celebrate teachers through a gallery show.
A photography project at a high school helped teachers embrace their individuality, breaking free from professional personas and showcasing their unique personalities and interests.
Photography can serve as a mindful and therapeutic activity for teachers, providing solace amidst the stress of their jobs and allowing them to express themselves creatively while capturing the beauty around them.
Deep dives
Teachers capturing their humanity through photography
Teachers are expected to suppress parts of their humanity, but a photography project helped them embrace their individuality. Dan Tricarico, a high school English teacher, started taking photos of his school campus and then shifted his focus to portraits of colleagues. The project grew over time, and the images captured each teacher's personality in a way that traditional yearbook pictures couldn't. The project brought the faculty closer together, allowing them to see themselves and each other in a new light. Inspired by Dan's project, other teachers can use their smartphones to create similar projects at their schools.
The mindfulness and therapeutic benefits of photography
Photography is a mindful activity that can ground teachers and provide a sense of calm amidst the stress of their jobs. By focusing on the present moment and appreciating the beauty around them, teachers can find solace in photography. Taking photos with a smartphone allows for easy and convenient practice, and the results can be surprising. Engaging in photography can also serve as a therapeutic outlet, providing teachers with a creative and enjoyable way to destress.
Breaking stereotypes and showcasing teachers' true selves
Teachers often present a professional persona but rarely get opportunities to showcase their true selves. The portrait project allowed teachers to break free from the expectations and stereotypes associated with their profession. By capturing their unique personalities and interests, the project showcased teachers as individuals beyond their role as educators. It provided a platform for them to express themselves and be celebrated for their beauty and uniqueness.
Creating unity and connection among staff members
The portrait project had unexpected benefits, bringing the staff closer together and fostering a sense of unity. The project allowed teachers to see each other in a different light, breaking down barriers and facilitating a deeper connection among colleagues. It provided an opportunity for staff members to get to know each other on a personal level and appreciate their diverse personalities and talents. By taking part in the project, teachers felt seen, celebrated, and valued as individuals.
When high school English teacher Dan Tricarico started taking photos of his colleagues, he didn't expect them to create new bonds among his staff. Teachers rarely get an opportunity to have their humanity and uniqueness showcased in this way, but these beautiful portraits do just that — and anyone with a smartphone can do the same thing for the teachers at their school.