When you step into Megan Woodrum’s art classroom at Anthony Wayne Junior High, the first thing you notice is how you feel. It’s a bright and vibrant place with student projects lined up on drying racks and signs with positive messages adorning the walls. It’s buzzing with activity, yet the ambient music sets the tone for artistic work.
It’s intentional - she wants her classroom to be a haven of creativity, encouragement and self-expression.
A Creative Calling
Originally from the Detroit area, Megan loved art, but definitely didn’t see herself as a junior high art teacher. “ I wanted to pursue art as a career—but didn’t want to be a starving artist,” she said. “I knew I wanted to work with people, so I started out in college as a physical therapy major.”
She quickly realized it wasn’t her path. After the first semester at Bowling Green State University, Megan switched to art education and never looked back. She knew she made the right choice after completing her student teaching at Waterville Primary School.
“I sobbed at the end of the school year – I had such a great experience,” she said. “I always wanted to have an influence on students the way that my art teachers did for me. I had really cool art teachers that let me express myself. I still talk with them regularly, and my primary art teacher even came to my wedding.”
Finding Her Niche . . .
Megan always imagined herself teaching younger children, but now in her fifth year of teaching—and her fourth year at AW Junior High—Megan has found her stride in a role she hadn’t originally considered.
“I thought junior high was my ‘off-limits’ age group,” she laughed. “But now I can’t imagine teaching any other age. They are old enough to be really talented but still young enough that they’re willing to learn.”
Teaching both General Art (a mix of 7th and 8th graders) and Advanced Art for 8th graders, Megan adapts her approach to meet each group’s needs.
“Some students need reassurance and validation to build their confidence. I try to give them a little more instruction, love and encouragement along the way,” she said. “In the advanced class, I really push them to build on what they’ve learned. I want them to up the ante and take more creative risks.”
. . . and Helping Students Find Theirs
Just as her teachers did for her, Megan prioritizes student ownership and personal expression. “I try to give them a lot of voice and choice in their work. I want them to create things they’re passionate about. It makes the process more enjoyable and more meaningful.”
While drawing and painting are her personal favorites, Megan also embraces the lessons her students love—even the messy ones. “I don’t love teaching clay, for example. But the kids love it and get a lot out of it. We all tend to enjoy printmaking—it’s a great hands-on process that gives students a lot of room to try something new.”
As her students work to discover self-expression through a variety of art forms, Megan is there to provide foundational skill and build confidence. “They are producing really awesome stuff and it’s great when other staff members notice their work on display. The kids don’t always like the attention, but I know it makes a difference when someone says it (their art) caught their eye.”
Growing as an Educator
In the same way she encourages her students to continue improving, Megan also takes time to focus on her own growth. “I’m in a constant state of self-reflection and considering how I can explain something better, and how I can be the type of teacher that I want to be.”
She is especially proud of how her classroom management style has improved since she began teaching. “Some of the behaviors I was seeing, I’m not seeing as intensely as before,” she said. “I’ve gotten better at explaining my expectations and recognizing when students are starting to get off-task – and jumping in to redirect them.”
One of the areas that Megan wants to improve upon is developing a better system for choosing student work for the art show. “Honestly, I need to find a better way to organize it all and keep a better inventory of what I have pulled throughout the year,” she acknowledged. “The art show can be a daunting task and a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it.”
The District Art Show: A Celebration of Creativity
Visitors to this year’s show can expect an impressive and immersive experience. “The gym is always full, and it seems like an endless display,” Megan said. “I was blown away by the enormity of it the first time.”
Despite the large number of projects, selecting artwork for display is actually a carefully curated process. “I try to have something from each student and to represent the projects we have done over the year, but it can be challenging because of their age—some don’t want their work in the spotlight,” she explained. “I really have to encourage some students to let me display their work.”
Some students are more content to stay in the background, helping to choose which pieces should be included, and setting up displays to earn service hours. “They like to take ownership and responsibility,” Megan said. “I also do a scavenger hunt with them so they can take the time to look around and really enjoy the art.”
The art show serves as a culmination of what she and her students have accomplished together. “Participating in the art show really makes me consider how the art on display is a reflection of my teaching and a demonstration of my students’ growth and learning,” she said. “I’ve had an awesome (with a capital AW) group of kids this year. I’m really proud of what they’ve created.”
Megan said that the art show provides an overview of the fine arts program at Anthony Wayne, and she’s happy to be in the middle of it. “There are stepping stones. I can look at elementary art projects and see those early foundations, and look ahead to the high school pieces and the potential my students have ahead of them. It’s exciting to know that I’m part of such a great program.”
Her message to the community is simple: “Come see the incredible things our students are making. It’s an awesome showcase of creativity, growth and talent. You’ll walk away amazed.”
Anthony Wayne Local Schools
53rd District Art Show
Saturday, May 10, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
AWHS Gymnasium
Free admission - open to the public