As I complete my research class through UF, I am piecing together the how, what and why I will complete my capstone project, a unit (and additional tools) which aims to reduce stigma associated with mental health & paper arguing that the arts is a logical first step for discussing mental health in schools. Having just moved to Chattanooga, TN from Alabama, I am at an unusual crossroads career wise, finding myself school-less at present. On the one hand, I feel limited regarding subjects when it comes to who will be my first students as I design and implement this unit. On the other, I feel free to creatively solve this problem. Will I host a weekend-long camp? Will I host a community wide event?
This blog is my first step in charting my progress through this project. I am so excited and a bit nervous to approach the final steps of my MAAE degree. Mostly, I look forward to taking this step to learn more about how we can, through arts ed, increase mental health awareness and to share my research with fellow educators.
Stephanie Hardin 