21st century art philosophy

I found it interesting that although education of the arts is moving away (or should be moving away) from the technical, textbook 7+7 idea, most people are still stuck in the past.  I feel as though college professors of art would be at the forefront of this change, yet most all of my first year of foundations courses at MU in the art department, those elements and principles were pounded into us (as had been done in high school too) and our tests focused on our ability to analyze works of art, both old and contemporary, with these set parameters and seemingly "right and wrong" answers.  This is so far away from how we should be teaching art and encouraging others to look at art. 
   The change to a more conceptual approach is exciting as well as intimidating or perhaps challenging, more so for those who have taught art for many years.  This means taking the time to first think deeply about the big ideas of what you are going to teach and then further develop your ideas and questions concerning the idea.  Art teachers can no longer just tell students, "Okay, today we are going to paint or draw or make a pretty pot", and expect to have students who are successful in creating rich art and expressing ideas that have meaning.  
    I believe that in teaching art, it is my responsibility to not only have the knowledge base to share with others about art and all it encompasses, but to be able to back it up with real life experience and practice in the arts.  It is not enough to read to students from a book how to make a linocut or work in a certain style of painting; art teachers need to be able to also say that I've been there, done that, and know the ins and outs of what it is they are teaching.  I know from personal experience that an art teacher, who really does not know how to walk the walk, not only is unsuccessful in teaching, but also ends up with students who feel lost and have little confidence in what they are doing.  If this 'teacher', who has a degree and 'knowledge' is unable to perform this task, how does that make the student feel?  In working in the modern age, I think part of being an effective teacher is also to continue your learning and look to the world as it is now for inspiration and ideas.  The most exciting art around is what is going on now and constantly changing.  I think students should learn from the past, however, what is current, contemporary, and close to the students is what they can relate to and therefore more easily make connections that will bring significance and meaning into their work.  I think that in knowing and working to learn as much as you can about art, continuing to practice in your area as well as playing and experimenting with other mediums, and having a drive/yearning to share all of this with others, you are well on your way to demonstrating your capacity to teach.    However, you do have to be able to communicate all of this knowledge and experience to the students in a way that helps them to understand it and be able to successful in creating works of art, not just crafting a meaningless product.