“The Importance of Arts to the Middle School Mind: Creating Space for Belonging”

Join Kami as she interviews special guest Kathy Coffey, a TAA Alumni Association member and TAA Ambassador, about the wild and wonderful world of middle school. They reflect on the tumultuous time for students and how arts education gives them tools to embrace change and express their individuality. Kathy Coffey is a retired visual art educator whose 23-year career left a lasting impression on thousands of East Tennessee students across Anderson and Knox counties. Before entering the world of education, Kathy worked as a graphic designer. With a degree in Comprehensive Design from James Madison University, Kathy brought both technical skill and a real-world mindset to her creative classroom. Though many might shy away from teaching middle school, Kathy found her calling in the curious, energetic, and often unpredictable world of grades 6-8. She actively supported student participation in events such as the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville and the Mid-South Scholastic Art Competitions & Awards. She also made sure she embraced the "crazy times" of middle school life, creating a safe and inspiring space where students could explore their creativity and discover their place of belonging. In addition to her work in visual art, Coffey was a passionate supporter of all the arts, collaborating closely with music and theatre colleagues to support school productions, concerts, and arts-focused field trips. She believed deeply in exposing students to the full spectrum of creative experiences—from professional performances and exhibitions to potential careers and college pathways in the arts.  A long-time supporter of the Tennessee Arts Academy, Kathy is a proud member of the TAA Alumni Association and currently serves as a TAA Ambassador, volunteering her time and energy to support arts education across the state. Now enjoying retirement in Oak Ridge, she and her husband, Mike, spend their time traveling, scuba diving, and hiking the trails with their beloved golden retrievers, Bear and Annie.