The daily life of a teacher is a complicated one. It is at once a rewarding combination of working with students, helping them make discoveries, teaching new skills, and working within a beloved subject. At the same time, it is a demanding profession that requires a lot of time, energy, and love.

For this photo essay, Damaris Coto spent time with Mr. Emmanuel Lopez, one of Colton High’s art teachers to observe what he does to connect with students and inspire artistic creation.

Mr. Emmanuel Lopez is an art teacher at Colton High School. He teaches Art I, II, and III. He is a very well-known and liked teacher because he interacts and connects well with students on a daily basis. His classroom provides a fun, safe space for improving artistic skills. Behind him are a few of his senior students from his Art III class. (from left: Emily Ramirez, Guadalupe Miranda, and Desyree Guitierez)

This bulletin board over Lopez’s workplace represents the vibe his classroom creates. It is decorated with a variety of memorable photos of students along with artwork students have created for him. He also has three LGBTQ+ flags on his board, letting his students know that they are in a safe space where they can be themselves.

To start the day in his classroom, Lopez typically recaps what the students have recently learned. Here he briefly talks about the color wheel and how it works.

On February 9, Lopez introduced students in his Art I class to a new art project assignment. In these photos, he thoroughly explains the directions and guides students through the startup process. Using an ELMO projector, he demonstrates how to correctly cut paper for the project.

Once the project is explained and students are ready to begin work, for the rest of the class, Lopez plays music for students to listen to and enjoy. Meanwhile, he assists students with their newly assigned art project and socializes with them.

Students work and interact with classmates on February 14, 2023. 

During lunchtime at 1:05 pm, Lopez eats lunch in his classroom workroom. Usually, he goes to the teacher’s lounge and socializes with other teachers, but today he doesn’t have much free time. He spends his lunch eating, answering emails, and preparing materials for his remaining classes.

After teaching his remaining classes, Lopez packs up and immediately leaves the classroom when the bell rings at 3:45 PM on February 14th. 

Here is a collage of students’ artwork in Lopez’s classroom.