Guest Blogger - Ted Edinger from "Art with Mr. E"

This is a guest post is contributed by Ted Edinger the creator of the 2012- 2nd place Art Ed Blog of the year "Art with Mr. E".  Ted was named the 2011-2012 Tennessee State Elementary Art Teacher of the Year by TAEA and has been a huge influence in my teaching and decision to start blogging.  As a new teacher I stumbled across Mr. E's blog three years ago and have been a big fan ever since. Art with Mr. E is an excellent resource for new and veteran teachers alike and for all things elementary art. I definitely aspire to take my blog to this level someday- Enjoy! 

I went out on a limb and contacted Ted asking him to write a post that addresses why you blog and how you use your blog as an elementary art teacher? I am privileged to present his response. 

A Post from Mr. E from Art With Mr. E

Art With Mr. E was "birthed" in 2008.  I was encouraged to create my blog by a professor at the start of my masters degree.  He told me that I was an expert in my field, and I needed to share that knowledge with others.  I'm not so sure about the expert part, but I love sharing, encouraging, challenging, and communicating.  A blog seemed like a wonderful tool to connect with other art educators and those interested in children's art.  It is so much more than a place for me to post pictures of my students' work, organizational ideas, and tips.  This past year I was able to go to the National Art Education Convention in Fort Worth,TX .  There I came face to face with my readers. I was surprised by how many people recognized me from my blog, and came up to speak to me.   I spent many hours talking with "fans", and hearing their stories of how Art With Mr. E was making a difference in their teaching....and in their lives. One woman came up to me crying.  She said "I heard you were hear, and had to meet you!   You helped me get through a very rough time in my career with your posts.  I felt like I wasn't alone." I left that conversation with tears in my eyes, humbled by the idea that my silly little blog was having such an impact.  I often picture myself as just a guy from the hills of Appalachia...son of a coal miner....from a  town of only 70 people.  How can I have reach so many?!?!?!  There is power in blogging.  I approach it like I approach my life...I was put here for a purpose, and in everything I do...I need to do it with all that I am(the good, the bad, and the ugly).  Even an art education blog can make a difference when it is done with purpose & passion.