This semester, the arts department was joined by a new student teacher.

Art teacher Sara McCann is accompanied by Converse University student Patrick Treharne.

Treharne is a 2026 graduate at Converse majoring in art education.

He has been interested in art ever since elementary school when he said he was “forced into liking art.”

Since then, his love for art has grown and he has pursued a career in it.

Although one of the main reasons he decided to become an art teacher is financial stability, that is not the only reason.

Treharne spent his childhood in Iowa, where his art teacher influenced him to work in art education as well.

“My old teacher in Iowa wanted me to become a teacher, so I just kept pursuing that,” Treharne said.

Even though his elementary art teacher influenced him, Treharne said he enjoys working with high schoolers more because he has always had issues working with younger students.

“I enjoy having him in my class, and I think my kids do as well,” McCann said.

“He gets along with us, and he’s not a boring teacher,” freshman Norah Barnett said.