Retired Mahwah Teacher: How Schools Have Changed

Each week Patch sits down with individuals who contribute to the high standards of education in Mahwah, and asks them a few questions to get to know them better.

This week Patch gains insight from retired Mahwah teacher Catherine DelColliano. She has seen many changes in our school district during her 23 years as an art teacher. She shares her insight with us.

Why did you become an art teacher?

CD: “I loved drawing and creating art as a child and loved the idea of making a career out of what I loved to do. I also liked working with children and teaching others about creating art.”

How many years did you teach in Mahwah? What grades/schools?

CD: “I taught 23 years in the Mahwah Schools. When I started in Mahwah there were three elementary schools, Commodore Perry, and , with about 160 students per school. I taught the first, second and third grades once a week. I also taught a Gifted and Talented class at for a few years.

After 10 years at the elementary level, I moved to . I taught classes that lasted about six weeks called cycle classes to students. When I first arrived at the Ridge, it was a small school with less than 500 students. The eighth grade students were able to choose various electives for their cycle classes. The art department offered cycles in painting, drawing, crafts, sculpture and ceramics. Some students elected art for several cycles. As the school grew in size the electives were eliminated and all students took one art cycle.”

Where you very creative as a child?

CD: "Yes, I always loved to create art." 

Why is it beneficial for children to take art class? What do they take away from it?

 CD: " I truly believe everyone has the ability to develop their creative side which enhances so many aspects of their lives. Many of the projects presented in an art class call on the students' ability to problem solve. They learn about artists, history, design, other cultures, the list goes on and on. Hopefully, they take away a greater appreciation for beauty and learn to be more aware of the many solutions available when you are a creative thinker."

During your time as an art teacher did you ever find a student who was truly gifted?

CD: “There were many students who were truly gifted. I do remember one first grade student at Commodore Perry who was so advanced in his drawing skills that his work looked like Picasso contour drawings.”

Did you ever have art exhibits showcasing your personal artwork?

CD: “I took part in group shows but never had a solo exhibit. My favorite media to work in is watercolors. I also worked in clay for many years.”

How has teaching changed over the years?

CD: " When I started teaching in 1967, it was at Fort Lee High School. There was a dress code, girls had to wear dresses or skirts, no slacks or jeans. The boys were required to wear ties, dress shirts and slacks. No sneakers except in gym. Teachers were also expected to dress professionally. I had to wear a lab coat over my clothes whenI demonstrated the potter's wheel in the art room. Even the shop teacher wore a suit and tie. As the dress code changed, I noticed a more relaxed atmosphere in the schools. Another change was the onset of the technical age. Shoeing a film in class required a film projector and someone to run the movie. Now every classroom is equipped with a TV, computers and smart boards." 

What was your favorite project you had the kids make? Is it a project that was done annually?

CD: “There were many projects that I loved to teach over the years. My favorite two at the middle school were the clay whistles and the ceiling tiles.

The clay whistles began after I saw some really great whistles at a craft shop in Middlebury, Vermont. I didn't know how to make them, so I researched them in the . This was before the Internet. The town librarian found a book in a Pennsylvania library and secured it for me. I taught myself, then legions of students at the Ridge and many art teachers throughout Bergen County. It has become one of the favorite lessons in seventh grade art even today.

The ceiling tiles were so much fun to do with eighth grade students. They had to pick out a theme, art style, color scheme and then talk about their painting to the class. They could create their own tile or work in a team. The tiles are still hanging in the hallways of Ramapo Ridge today.”

What's the funniest thing that's ever happened in one of your classes?

 CD: “I did an abstract expression lesson based on the work of Wassily Kandinsky with seventh graders each year. It involved listening to music and painting with yarn dipped in black ink. The students were encouraged to express the emotions they felt listening to the music with the string dancing across the paper. One students got so into what he was doing that as he swung his hand down to dance across the paper, he knocked the ink container across the room, landing on the leg of a girl standing by the sink, who happened to be wearing white shorts! Luckily the ink did not splash on her shorts, just her legs. However, the class watched in horror as the container flew across the room. It was like watching in slow motion. When we all realized she was safe, everyone burst out laughing.” 

How many years have you been retired?

CD: “Four years.”

What do you do now that you are retired?

CD: “I continue to enjoy painting and drawing. I have the time to enjoy my 3 delightful granddaughters, and meet with friends. Once a month I visit my granddaughter Quinn's first grade classroom and teach an art lesson. It keeps me in touch with teaching and I love it.”

What do you miss most/least about teaching?

CD: “I moss the students and the joy of being with young people everyday. I also miss so many of the people I taught with over the years. I miss the planning of new ideas to keep learning about art interesting. I guess that is one reason I teach the class at my granddaughter's school. I don't miss having to get up every morning at a set time. Everyday is now a snow day for me."