Both artist and teacher share many common qualities, and also differ in many ways. The important thing is not so much that art educators declare professional identity with either profession, but that we realize and strive for excellence in all areas of art education. (Author)

The author asserts that, to defend their programs, art educators must cooperate with other school staff. She warns that, by too closely identifying with the traditional artist's role (communicating nonverbally, being creative, acting as a tradition-breaker), the art teacher may risk being viewed as separate, noncooperative, and divisive. (SJL)