Our "Employee Spotlight" series aims to showcase the unique personalities, talents, and stories that contribute to the success of our district. This section celebrates the incredible individuals who make our Lansing USD469 community thrive.
Emily Bucher, Lansing Middle School Art Teacher
Question: How long have you worked in Lansing USD469?
Answer: This is my 14th year!
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the role you have within the school district?
Answer: I grew up in a home that fostered creativity when I was very young, with my dad being a dedicated working wildlife artist. I am continually inspired and encouraged to explore my own artistic journey.
I graduated from The University of Kansas, majoring in Visual Art Education and minoring in Art History. Earning my master’s degree had always been a dream, and in 2021 I graduated from The University of Missouri-Kansas City in Art History. During that time, I had the opportunity to collaborate with professors focused on special studies with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
I teach middle art school students in grades 6 through 8, where a diverse range of artistic techniques and concepts are tested. I ask them about their creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression and in turn they gain independence, decision-making, social skills, and self-esteem naturally through the studio art process. Various mediums, like traditional classical drawing and painting techniques to 3-dimensional clay hand-building processes, encapsulate contemporary references and themes for students. Making art helps us all connect to the broader context of history and our world. I love to share the importance art plays to all humans and how art can just make life better.
Question: What do you enjoy most about your role and the work you do in the school district?
Answer: I love working with kids and making art! I enjoy seeing them excited to see friends and work on their own creations, talking, laughing, and asking one another about them. I am always surprised to see what they come up with and how unique their work can be. I hope to instill in them the importance of hard work, dedication, and craft.
Question: When you're not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Answer: I love making my own art and getting outside as much as possible! I enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, grilling, reading, spending time with my dog, friends, family, and other artists. I also love gardening and traveling!
Question: What is something unusual about you that most people don't know?
Answer: My paintings have hung in the Smithsonian Museum during a traveling exhibition. I have sold art overseas to other countries including France and Latvia.
Question: Could you share a particularly heartwarming or memorable experience you've had while working with students or colleagues?
Answer: It is rewarding to see when students earn awards, get published, or receive accolades for their art. It reminds me of my own journey, seeing hard work pay off. I hope those moments inspire them to keep art a part of their life.
Question: What piece of advice would you like to offer to students to help them succeed and make the most of their educational journey?
Answer: Never, ever, give up. Failure is a part of the journey. Get a good education and learn everything you can. Find something you are good at then get really, really good at it. Make art. Work hard, play hard, and enjoy the ride!