Larry Barnfield
Summerville High School
Summerville, South Carolina

Larry Barnfield teaches fine arts with a holistic approach. Students are provided with a concept and asked to research and experiment in an effort to find with multiple solutions, exercising creativity.

"My experiences with my many 'special students' and the ways current society affects our children's learning abilities have focused my teaching in two areas: interdisciplinary learning and community involvement in our schools. If I can get an adult member of the community to be involved in learning with a student, I have formed a bond from which all of us can grow."

Highlights:

• Received two Target 2000 grants to implement Project Artsreach, a program which provides opportunities for adults in the community to study alongside high school students.

• Teaches students by total immersion. For example, taught his art history students about the medieval period by coordinating a Medieval Banquet for students using teachers from visual arts, choral music, instrumental music, drama, creative writing, culinary arts, and dance.

• Devised and taught summer art program to physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged young children. Became Board Certified and Registered Art Therapist.

• Worked with immigrant older adults in community centers through the New York City Department of Social Services.

• Has received several honors for teaching including South Carolina Honor Roll Teacher for 2000, South Carolina Middle Level Art Educator of the Year, and Teacher of the Year (Dorchester School District Two, 1998; Summerville High School, 1997; Berkeley County School District, 1993; and Marrington Middle School, 1992).

• Authored several publications including "Especially for the Exceptional" (written with Frances Anderson, The Journal of the National Art Education Association, 1972 and co-authored Academic Achievement Standards for the Arts (South Carolina Department of Education, 1999).