CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JULY 2021 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT WINNER, MERYL LETTIRE!
Mrs. Meryl Lettire is a 22-year veteran teacher from Warren Township Schools in Somerset County who believes that everyone is an artist! She was nominated by one of her colleagues for her; advocacy and leadership in Art Education, inspirational lessons, and her outstanding Student Exhibitions.
Lettire believes that “As humans, what makes us unique is our ability to think, problem-solve, and create. Art is a way for individuals to understand their world and the people around them. Through the study of art, we can better understand history, customs, and cultures from around the world. In art, we can express ourselves, grow, develop skills, and most importantly communicate who we are and what matters to us.” Lettire has had the opportunity to work with students in grades Kindergarten through grade eight and has a deep desire to connect art with historical events. For the past several years Warren Middle School has invited Mr. Erwin Ganz, one of the last survivors of Kristallnacht to speak with students about his life experience. In the weeks following Ganz’s presentation, Lettire coordinated an interdisciplinary project between herself, as well as the social studies and language arts teachers. Students produced beautiful Found Poems based on Ganz’s life story. Ganz and his wife were invited to view the student’s projects later in the school year. During the month of February Lettire taught many lessons inspired by African American artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Faith Ringgold, and Maya Angelou. Lettire reads to her students and creates videos and teaches live virtual lessons. Lettire holds many hats in the school district but her biggest passion is certainly Art and the impact that it can have on others. Lettire supports her student’s artwork by sharing their projects through social media as well as through an annual Art Magazine which she develops and publishes with her students. Currently, Lettire is helping her students develop watercolor painting techniques channeling inspiration from Georgia O’Keeffe. Lettire is a perfect example of the district’s motto, #ShiningBrighterEveryDay!
