Elementary: Photographs by Daniel McInnis

In 2022, Daniel McInnis began a photographic survey of elementary schools in the Toledo metropolitan area, documenting both the people—teachers, staff, and administrators—and the physical spaces these professionals inhabit. The project fosters a greater appreciation for the individual sacrifices made by elementary educators, as teachers continue to struggle with what American communities have come to expect: low salaries, long hours, scant resources, and degraded facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a fresh set of challenges that have not abated: anger directed at teachers for "indoctrinating" students; the vilification of diversity-related teaching, much of which began many years prior to COVID-19; and the threat of violence, both physical and emotional, from outside and within. It is no surprise we are now seeing a national crisis around hiring and retention for these kinds of jobs.

Regardless, the teachers McInnis meets are fiercely loyal to their "second families" and often disregard the low salaries for what is, to them, a calling. While elementary spaces are inherently private, this exhibition brings visuality and voice to an often unseen world where young people experience profound developmental growth.

Related programming: 
October 19, 2024 
Artist talk: 1:00-2:00 pm
Public reception: 2:00-3:00 pm
Q&A panel with education professionals from the Dayton area: 3:00-4:30 pm

All events are free and open to the public.

Daniel McInnis: Elementary is part of the 2024 FotoFocus Biennial: backstories. Now in its seventh iteration, the Biennial activates over 100 projects at museums, galleries, universities, and public spaces throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Northern Kentucky in October 2024.

Support for this 2024 FotoFocus Biennial exhibition was provided in part by FotoFocus.