When AP Art History was pitched as a class at a board meeting, RM art teacher Mike McDermott got so excited that he called it before anyone else had the chance. This moment of enthusiasm reflects the passion that has defined both his teaching and his presence in the RM school community. Mr. McDermott has been teaching at RM for over 20 years, leading classes such as AP Art History, 2-D Studio Art, Foundations of Art & Culture and Digital Art during his time at the school.
Before becoming a teacher, Mr. McDermott worked as a freelance artist. “I did work that people thought was meaningful and successful,” he said. This hands-on experience helps him relate to the aspiring artists who come into his classroom. Having worked in the field himself, he understands both the creative and professional sides of art and is able to pass that knowledge on to his students. “It’s really interesting to hear all of his experiences in painting with different kinds of mediums and it helps me to figure out, like, which kind of art style I want to draw in and like, different tips for what I should do to make my art look better or be easier to make,” sophomore Alona Aharonovich said.
In addition to his experience, Mr. McDermott keeps his classes exciting and engaging for students, whether they are creating their own artwork or analyzing famous pieces. “He’s really fun and personable with the students so he knows how to keep the class moving but is also really nice,” sophomore Karmaan Saxena said. Mr. McDermott manages to keep students laughing even through the stress of an AP-level course. This atmosphere reflects the way he views art itself, not just as a subject to be studied in a classroom, but as something people can enjoy and pursue as a hobby or passion.
Even a short conversation with Mr. McDermott leaves the impression that he deeply appreciates the RM community and especially the students he teaches. “I like the students. I dislike all the paperwork but I like the students. Particularly the inspirational students obviously,” he said. This positive attitude helps motivate students to work hard and try their best, regardless of their natural talent or previous experience with art. “I just feel like a much more knowledgeable person about, like, even art history, even though I’m not in art history,” Aharonovich said.
Although Mr. McDermott’s passion for teaching is clear, it is no secret that he plans to retire in the near future. After retiring, he hopes to spend more time pursuing his many interests. “I got a ton of hobbies and I’m gonna pursue them like Ahab from Moby Dick pursued the white whale. With all the gusto I can, I’m gonna wake up every morning and say let’s go. I’m still gonna get up early and I’m gonna work really hard at my hobbies like a madman,” he said.
A teacher as passionate and dedicated as Mr. McDermott will certainly be missed within the RM community. Over the course of his time teaching at RM, he has helped students develop not only their artistic abilities but also a deeper appreciation for creativity and expression.
As he prepares to move on to the next chapter of his life, many students recognize the lasting impact he has had both in and out of the classroom. “His passion is really easy to see which is why it’s bittersweet to hear that he’s retiring soon,” Saxena said.
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