Teachers Honored for Artistry in Education

Bravo for teacher Traci Sommers.

An art teacher at Diane S. Leichman High School, Sommers on Monday night was awarded the Music Center of Los Angeles County’s Bravo Award, the top prize for teachers demonstrating excellence in arts education.

“I feel [the award] has given my students a chance to shine and be in the spotlight,” Sommers said.

Leichman High in Reseda, part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is for children with severe disabilities. From David Hockney-inspired photo montages to papier-mache octopuses with dangling felt legs, Sommers’ students--such as Suzy, Emilio, Juan and Elizabeth--churn out some masterpieces.

“If you come to this school, it looks like a museum,” Principal Joe Marino said. “Traci is a rare one.”

Sommers, who has no training in fine arts, was singled out among 79 teachers from five counties in a nomination process that began last spring for the annual award. She received $1,000 for art supplies.

“I can’t draw a circle,” she said, “but I can sure try to motivate others.”

Sommers’ charges--ages 13 to 22--have Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, autism or multiple disabilities. The educational themes change, but the students are now exploring black history and are designing African dolls with hair of beaded raffia. World drum music provides a background beat.

Amy Balsz, 16, paints a pattern of multicolored triangles, dots and dashes on her wooden doll. “I like painting, drawing and coloring,” she said. And as for her teacher? “I like her. She does nice things.”

Others said the award is long overdue for their colleague, who works endless hours preparing for class and scouring fabric stores for materials and inspiration.

“This room is therapy for the kids,” said Patty Valentine, special education and room assistant. “And no one works harder than Traci.”

For Sommers, it is a labor of love.

“I live in fear of being hugged to death every day,” she said. “This has been the most uplifting of experiences.”

Yolanda Gardea, a music teacher at Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood, was recognized with a special achievement award of $750 at Monday’s ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel downtown.

Gardea said she was flattered and embarrassed by the sudden spotlight.

“To me, I’m a normal Joe who just works hard,” she said. “Everyone should do this for kids . . . I’m a 36-year-old child. We do things that are fun.”

In the 13 years Gardea has taught at Walter Reed, student involvement in the school’s orchestra and the instrumental, jazz and string bands has quadrupled. The students have won numerous competitions.

But for their award-winning teacher, every day is a prize. “I absolutely love my job,” she said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

The Bravo Awards were established in 1982 by the Music Center’s Educational Division to recognize teachers and schools for innovative teaching of the arts.