by Hanna Singh
One Lincoln Parish teacher is sharing her passions and touching lives with her love for art and for her students.
For Ruston High School’s beloved art teacher Erin Hanna, her path to the classrooms wasn’t straightforward, but she found herself at home in Ruston, teaching others what brings her joy.
Originally from Mississippi, she found her way to Ruston to attend Louisiana Tech University. She went to school for Interior Design, with a different future in mind at the time. With a bachelor’s in interior design, she began her career working at a local furniture store. But something didn’t feel quite right.
“I just felt unsettled and like I was in limbo,” Hanna said. “After some soul-searching, I realized that I enjoyed working with the teenagers in my youth group at my church.”
After discovering a deep connection with teaching teenagers, she had a desire to make a bigger impact. This led her back to school, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts in 2D Studio and eventually a master’s in education. Now she is putting her heart and her talent to work in the classroom at Ruston High, shaping young artists and young minds.
Hanna shared what makes her job so meaningful.
“I just enjoy getting to know the kiddos mostly. I really love seeing what the kids can accomplish, watching their skills grow, and seeing how they interpret the world around them,” Hanna said. “They can also be pretty hilarious and say some off the wall stuff. I try to encourage their creativity and encourage them to not try to fit themselves inside of a box. School can be stressful, so I love being able to provide that outlet for them during the day.”
One of Hanna’s favorite experiences each year is the Senior Art Show. She takes pride in seeing the students get the opportunity to show off what they’ve accomplished over the years in the art program. As the students biggest cheerleader, Hanna cherishes watching them grow from timid Freshmen into the confident Seniors who present their work at the show.
Art has always been an important part of Hanna’s life. Encouraged by her family that valued her creativity, she is grateful to have had art teachers who nurtured her artistic journey. She credits her grandmother especially–-a landscape painter–-for passing down a love of art to her. Now she dedicates her talents to offering the same opportunities to her students.
“I’m pretty passionate about the role of the arts in education,” Hanna said. “Whether it’s visual, performing, musical, etc., I believe the arts are an integral part of rounding out a student’s education. I’m also pretty passionate about art history and try to incorporate it into a lot of my lessons. I want the students to be as excited about art history as I am.”
Her efforts are not in vain, as not only the students but also the staff recognize her dedication and passion. Ruston High School Principal Dan Gressett described the positivity that Hanna brings to the school.
“Erin is not just a great teacher,” Gressett said. “She is a great person. Her students love her, and she is such a valuable part of Ruston High School. We are very fortunate to have her.”
Outside of the classroom, she leads a fulfilling and inspiring life. Hanna has been married to her husband, Heath, for ten years and is a proud bonus mom to Avery and Grant, along with a bonus grandmother to new baby Asher. She is a two-time cancer survivor with a remarkable sense of grit. She’s also a fan of CrossFit, a proud Tech Alumni, an avid reader, and creates her own art.
As far as her art career, Hanna has had her art pieces shown in the Peach Festival Art show and received Best in Show in the Carthartic Art: Remembering 9/11. West Baton Rouge Museum exhibition. She creates in a number of mediums including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, and oil. Hanna’s art highlights the beauty and serenity of Louisiana nature, architecture, and culture.
Hanna’s passion for art and her home state has brought inspiration to many aspiring artists walking the halls of Ruston High School. In her years at the school, Hanna has brought more than just teaching to her job, she has ignited a love for the arts in each student that passes through her doors.
