For 29 years, the International Association of Creative Arts Professionals has recognized outstanding teachers. This year’s recipient is Jacquie Gering. Here’s some insight into her teaching philosophy.

What standards of workmanship do you require of your students? What do you do if they don’t attain them?

I expect my students to do their best, though that may not be the same for every student. Expecting the same standard for every student isn’t how students grow and develop as sewers and quilters. I try and assess students’ levels of development as they sew and create in my class. It is my role as a teacher to take them from where they are and move them forward in their development. As most of us do, I teach classes with master sewers and beginners in the same class. It is important that each of those students learn despite the gap in the skill levels they brought into the class. It is my job as a teacher to differentiate my instruction and support during class time to meet the needs of each individual.

It’s also important to remember that class is for learning. Mistakes are a natural part of that process and should be celebrated. We actually learn more when we make errors, but we need to learn from them. I had a student in my hexagon class sew her first y-seam and comment to me that it didn’t look like mine. My response to her was that I’ve sewn thousands and she’s sewn one. We looked at her work together and I encouraged her to look at her piecing and identify what needed to change in the next one. As I teacher I need to encourage and motivate students to work hard and to improve. Expecting immediate perfection of themselves or from me can lead to frustration and an unwillingness to try and make mistakes. I try to create a safe environment in the classroom where students feel comfortable to try.

My class doesn’t end at the end of the class day. I provide handouts for each class, which help students review and remember what was taught in class. I encourage students to share their in progress and/or finished projects by email or get in touch with me with questions or concerns. Ongoing support and encouragement is an essential component of my teaching philosophy

How do you encourage creativity in your students?

I think the most effective technique for encouraging creativity in my students is by not giving them the answer. My job as their teacher is to put them in their zone of development, that place where they are a bit uncomfortable, but not paralyzed and frustrated. It is in that zone that students will learn the most. When students ask me questions, I try to guide rather than give. I can tell a student what to do, but if I do that, when they leave me, they won’t have developed the confidence or skills to deal with the decisions that will need to be made in their own sewing rooms. I have to assess quickly and know when to support and when to push and challenge a student. For some students they get loads of support at the beginning of class and I lessen the support and move them to more independence as the class progresses. It is a dance of moving in and pulling away and reading students reactions in the process.

I also provide many samples to inspire students. With only one sample, students have the tendency to want to copy. With multiple samples and possibilities, students start to open their minds to options and creativity.

Lastly, I capitalize on creating a creative community in the classroom. With 20 students I have twenty teaching assistants that are at the ready. As students create I share student work, accomplishments, mistakes and questions with the rest of the class. Learning from each other provides so many opportunities to see into the minds of other quilters, examples of ideas coming to life, or techniques being learned. I am always respectful of students’ privacy and their work. I don’t share unless they give me permission. I also don’t manipulate, cut, or change the work of students without their permission. Most students are willing, but some don’t want to be in the spotlight or need time to be confident to share, especially mistakes and as a teacher I need to respect their wishes.

How do you encourage students’ further growth in quilting, beyond the formal class?

I am a “teach a student to fish, rather than give a student a fish” kind of teacher. I teach primarily technique and design classes. Those are skills that students will take with them beyond what they make or produce in a three or six hour class. I also work hard to build confidence in my students. Students who believe they can, will when they are no longer in a classroom setting. Lastly, I work hard to inspire students. Quilting is fun and joyful. Class should never be tedious even if the technique is difficult. I try to create a lighthearted fun atmosphere in class that will inspire students to go home and sew!

What do you feel is your greatest contribution to the field of quilting?

I self identify as a modern quilter and I am an enthusiastic advocate for modern quilting. I was fortunate to be at the forefront as the modern quilting movement gained momentum and grew in popularity and exposure. I have earned respect in the community and I am proud to be one of the representatives of the movement. I have worked to educate about the movement and am especially proud that I have brought new and younger quilters into the larger quilting community as well as helped the community begin to understand and embrace the modern movement. My work in educating about modern quilting has also allowed me to share the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from being a quilter.