Fairview teacher named 2024 Opening Nights Art advocate

Janine Falah, an art teacher of over 13 years, was in the middle of her third period art class Monday at Fairview Middle School when she was disrupted twice.

In the school's annual tradition of allowing students to nominate and vote for teacher superlatives, Falah won the Golden Apple award, which is for the best elective teacher.

About 15 minutes later, she was surprised a second time as the recipient of the 2024 Opening Nights Art Advocate award.

"I am actually very humbled that people appreciate all the things that I do with the students in and out the classroom," Falah said. "I am grateful that I genuinely enjoy creating experiences for our students by collaborating with the community."

Each year, Opening Nights at Florida State University in conjunction with VyStar Credit Union, honors an educator who demonstrates a commitment to the arts in the classroom and in the community.

Because of Falah's award, Fairview Middle School will receive an exclusive performance presented by Opening Nights during the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, Falah will receive an Opening Nights season ticket package valued at $1,000.

Falah teaches digital photography, studio art and serves as the faculty advisor for the yearbook committee. Before joining the faculty at Fairview, Falah taught art for nine years at Sabal Palm Elementary.

A Tallahassee native, Falah graduated from Amos P. Godby High School and earned her bachelor's degree in graphic communication and photography from Florida A&M University. She also earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in fiber arts from Savannah College of Art and Design.

Calla MacNamara, the education and engagement manager with Opening Nights, said Falah won because she was nominated by Fairview's principal, a parent and a fellow teacher, all singing praises of her creativity, engagement and inspiring dedication.

"A lot of times they come in and think we're just going to color, and one of the things that's important, especially for middle school, is exposure," Falah said.

Brittany Adams, Fairview's creative writing teacher, said in her nomination application that Falah "adapts her lessons and approaches to activities in order to be inclusive of all learning styles."

For example, Falah's seventh graders were learning about the solar system in their science class, so she had them illustrate it with oil pastels. Falah also had one class create their own picture book with illustrations.

Adams said her creative writing class wrote a series of short stories, to which Falah had her digital photography students explore the campus and take photos to help bring the stories to life. The project was published in a book called "A Collection of Exhilarating Randomness."

Principal Eileen Mayer said Falah has been a member of the Fairview Falcon team for four years, and she says her methods are very unique.

"Ms. Falah is the only art teacher I have worked with who continuously sends me articles of events around town that may impact students. She is always looking to work and connect outside her classroom," Mayer said.

For more information, visit openingnights.fsu.edu.

Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached atABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X:@AlaijahBrown3

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Fairview Middle's Janine Falah, named 2024 Opening Nights Art advocate