A well-known, respected, and committed educator, Teresa McEntire has been teaching for 30 years in the Kansas City community. For the first half of her journey, she taught kindergarten through fifth-grade art. Then, 13 years ago, (while remaining in the Shawnee Mission School District) she became a staple at Comanche Elementary School in Overland Park, KS, continuing to educate elementary students in art.
“We’re a family, and we take care of each other,” said McEntire. “It takes a village to raise and educate children, but we strive to offer the best caring environment, with high standards and expectations to promote student success. Thirty years as a teacher is a long time, but when you can say you enjoy that job still today, you know you took the right path.”
McEntire has also been a member of the Shawnee Mission School District art cadre for the past ten years. This is a team of visual art teachers who develop, maintain and refine guaranteed and viable visual arts curriculums. As an original member, McEntire has been collaborating, planning and creating professional development opportunities for art teachers and leaders throughout the district since the program’s inception.
“I teach because I love to see the spark of excitement when students explore a new technique or try a new media,” said McEntire. “Most often, success isn’t the product, it’s the process. For example, when students learn color mixing, it’s not about the colors on the paper they’ve created, but the excitement of the unintentional discovery.”
As an elementary art teacher, McEntire ensures her classroom is a safe and judgment-free zone. She encourages her students to always work hard and to try their best to make art as meaningful as possible. This includes the exploration of various tools, media and techniques, all while learning about different artists, art styles and cultures.
“We learn about the countries our students have visited, the artists that originated from those locations, as well as the history of local art,” said McEntire. “The connections through the eyes of art helps make a well-rounded student. To appreciate art and its connection to life itself is the most valuable thing I can pass on to each child, no matter if art is their chosen career or not. I believe every career has a bit of an artist in it.”
McEntire is a Kansas City native but received her bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials from Arizona State University. She earned her master’s degree at Kansas State University in curriculum development for ELL (English as Second Language) learners. She has four wonderful children and one grandchild. Throughout her teaching career, McEntire has had one specific reoccurring moment that stands above the rest:
“Prior students, now adults with children of their own, have come up to me in public,” said McEntire. “They say, ‘Hey, aren’t you Mrs. McEntire? I had you as a teacher when I was a kid, and I remember your lessons and still have your art projects at my house!’ It’s incredibly heartwarming that my visual art lessons have resonated with students even into their adulthood.”
“She’s created a lasting legacy on all of her former students,” said McEntire’s nominator, Tera Hawes. “Her philosophy is to give students the confidence to be creative in all aspects of life. She grades based off effort and inspiration, not skill. She’s a wonderful teacher and continues to inspire students to explore what art means to them.”
“For the past three decades, Teresa has poured her heart and soul into educating the next generation on the importance, value and benefits of art,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “The unwavering commitment she’s shown to the Shawnee Mission School District is inspiring, and we’re honored to highlight an outstanding educator who continues to impact students in their educational journey.”
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritans.
Through the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and Sporting KC are honoring students and teachers who are making a significant impact in Kansas City and inspiring others to do the same.