Fund for Teachers Fellowship Takes Sierra King Across Europe
Pryor Middle School art teacher Sierra King spent a considerable portion of her summer immersed in Renaissance art during a 16-day study tour across Paris, Florence, Rome, and Pompeii. Supported by a Fund for Teachers (FFT) fellowship, King set out to experience some of the world’s most influential artworks firsthand and bring that inspiration back to her classroom.
“My trip allowed me to gain a new appreciation for art in a way that I never understood from a textbook. For an artist, firsthand experience is the most powerful teacher,” King said.
A Fellowship That Fuels Teaching
King earned a grant from Fund for Teachers, a national nonprofit that empowers educators to design their own professional learning experiences. Instead of sending teachers to predetermined conferences, FFT funds teacher-created proposals—unique learning adventures designed to inspire both teachers and students.
Highlights From an Unforgettable Journey
One of King’s most memorable moments was standing inside the Louvre Museum in Paris to see the Mona Lisa in person. She also took a one-on-one oil painting lesson, an experience that directly shaped a new project for her students. King painted their own interpretation of the Mona Lisa using a canvas with the portrait lightly pre-printed on it. This allowed her to focus on techniques and materials instead of recreating the foundational sketch.
King also described the awe of standing before Michelangelo’s 17-foot-tall “David,” visiting Michelangelo’s Secret Room, and gazing at the Sistine Chapel—powerful experiences she now uses to enrich classroom discussions and lessons.
Bringing Renaissance Art to Pryor
Back at Pryor Middle School, King’s students are exploring techniques and themes inspired by Renaissance masters. King has adapted lessons she learned to the middle school classroom, for example, when painting their versions of the Mona Lisa, students used acrylic instead of oil.
“They seem to take me more seriously as an expert, and the trip has inspired them in their own creative work,” King shared. She said that students look to me for guidance because they know I’ve seen these works up close.
Lessons From the Creative Struggle
One of the most impactful parts of King’s journey was being reminded of what it feels like to create something for the first time.
She described a challenging workshop on ancient fresco techniques, where paint must be applied to plaster at precisely the right moisture level—a method dating back thousands of years. The process, she said, awakened her empathy for the students’ learning curve.
“It reminded me how much uncertainty there is when you try something new. It made me more patient, more encouraging, and more aware of their creative struggle.”
King was also struck by how effortlessly European locals moved through streets lined with ancient statues and architecture—historic treasures that stopped her in her tracks while residents passed by as part of daily life.
Encouraging Other Teachers to Dream Big
King hopes more educators will consider applying for a Fund for Teachers grant.
“Take the risk and apply. If you don’t apply, you can’t receive a grant,” she said. She is more than willing to help colleagues with the application process and share what she’s learned.