Art teacher presentations

Denise Docherty, left, a Walnut Ridge Primary School art teacher, and Lisa Hirkaler, a Vernon Township High School art teacher, delivered presentations at the Art Educators of New Jersey Annual Conference in Somerset. This conference featured more than 190 hands-on workshops, presentations and special events. Docherty’s was entitled, “Awakening Creativity in the Young Artist with Special Needs,” and focused on the development of an art program for young children with special needs, focusing on creativity rather than on behavior and occupational therapy goals. Hirkaler presented on the National Board Certification process, which she successfully completed last year, and AP Art History teaching strategies. She and high school teacher Patricia Soriano-Bunger also presented a roundtable discussion of best practices at the National Art Education Convention.