Poet and author Joyce Sidman is a COMPAS veteran, having joined our Teaching Artist roster in 1998! In our latest Artist Spotlight, we hear her thoughts on what’s changed in the last 20+ years, what makes poetry special, and why teaching brings a little excitement to the solitary life of a writer.

I hope you’ve been doing well and staying healthy. Thank you for taking the time to do another interview for the COMPAS Artist Spotlight! Please tell us what your art form is and a little about your background?

I write children’s books, which are mostly poetry. I’ve been writing my whole life, but only started publishing books at age 40. I also trained as a teacher, and have been teaching with COMPAS for over twenty years!

When did you first become interested in poetry? How did it happen? Who were some of your influences?

In high school, two teachers really sparked my interest in poetry. I was assigned an in-depth study of one poet. I chose Conrad Aiken, and immersed myself in the rhythm of his lyrical verses. I wanted to write like that.

It’s National Poetry Month! What do you think poetry is able to express that other art forms aren’t able to?

Poetry can make strange and wonderful connections that surprise us into understanding.

What do you get out of teaching versus creating your own work? What do you enjoy the most about teaching?

Writing is full of solitude. Teaching is full of life! Sharing poetry with students always inspires me and brings me joy. Seeing the remarkable insights they grasp in just ONE WEEK is a constant reminder of why art is vital in our lives.

In this time of virtual programming how are you adjusting? What do you find challenging? Any unexpected benefits?

I don’t miss the commute to schools, but I really miss in person teaching—sharing those moments chatting with students. However, through virtual teaching software, I did have more time to comment (in text) on every single student’s poem, which they loved.

Have you been working on any new projects lately?

I have a couple new books out this spring: HELLO, EARTH! and DEAR TREEFROG. Both are written using a “letter poem” format.

You joined the COMPAS roster back in 1998! What changes have you seen in teaching/working with students over those years? What has stayed the same?

Hard to believe! I think over the years, schools have become more inclusive and sensitive to individual needs, which is great. Teachers are my heroes. They remake the world every day to meet the needs of their students. And students are my heroes, too—they try new things every day!

How do you practice creativity in your everyday life?

I walk every day in the woods, noticing things. Colors, sounds, details. Really, at heart I am a noticer who tries to find words to describe what I see and feel.

Want to work on a class- or school-wide poetry project with Joyce? Reach out to book her for a program or look through our Artist Roster to find another Teaching Artist who meets your needs!