Dream Job Revisited

After spending much time at CCA, I have realized how deeply important good working relationships among colleagues can be. I find the teacher lounge experience among humorous adults to be relieving during a stressful day. Instead of thinking primarily about the kind of classroom or types of students and curriculum in place at the school, I'd like to add the importance of building friendships among other teachers. The first year will be daunting, and terribly difficult. I may not know anyone I'm working with, and the effort of making friends may become tiresome. It would be lovely to have a community of colleagues that looked after one another, were inclusive and warm.

My dream job would be in a location that I loved, where I felt comfortable, safe and could be myself. It would include a faculty that strove to improve education while inviting new and innovative approaches to teaching. It would be lovely to be in an environment where the arts were as cherished as sports and core curriculum courses; where students supported one another by attending events, shows and concerts, and where faculty took pride and notice in the impact art has on other subjects.

Of course, I would love a hefty budget, but I would also like to explore making art through found objects and natural resources. Art is about finding beauty in unconventional spaces. As a community, I would enjoy the opportunities to produce art in public spaces, and to explore art as a natural, living part of our daily lives.

Finally, my dream job would have to revolve around creativity-- not only for the students but for myself. I need to continue my own art. I believe teaching is a perfect sidekick, but often I hear teachers losing touch with their passion. I do not want to let that happen to me. I believe the most impressionable teacher is one that possesses a passion for teaching, learning and growing in their art.

Questions

1. What is the overriding teaching philosophy at your school?

2. What expectations are in place in regards to the curriculum in art?

3. What is the current budget for art?

4. What is the school's policy for disciplinary management?

Reflections on Guest Speaker

I found the guest speaker had an overwhelming amount of information-- great information, but a lot. It was wonderful to hear about the mentoring process and the expectations that follow. I was intrigued by the fact that mentoring was far more regulated than thought. It is relieving to know that mentors have a duty to be helpful and supportive. I know the first year will be difficult. A mentor will be greatly appreciated. I have heard about mentors before, but I didn't realize how substantial and assistive the position could be. I do feel though, that along with much of the information we've received this semester, there are details I have forgotten. I was impressed with her presence. She was professional and sincere, and it was evident she has been involved in education for quite a while.

Dream Job

My dream job would be one that is balanced with a substantial amount of support from the community and scholastic surroundings. It would be wonderfully easy if students already had an innate artistic ability and desire to go one step further than what was required. It would be lovely if there was a bountiful creativity that swarmed the hallways, classrooms and community of my school. I would like to have students that ask thought-provoking questions regarding larger, emotional, and ethical questions about our society in regard to their work. I would love to have the freedom to explore art in the most abstract sense-- to help students become aware of their feelings when looking at art rather than the correct use of the medium. I would love to step into a room and not have to go over cleanup directions, but realize that's probably impossible. My dream job would embody one that keeps me on my toes, and requires me to change my course of action without too much exuded energy. I feel tired and terribly worn out, and if I were envisioning my dream job, I wouldn't want to feel unenergized. I would hope to have the power to push on through with exuberance.

Mostly, if my dream job were available, I would like it to have room for me to be myself, and assist students in finding their voices while I practice mine. Where I could create alongside students and hope to make the community a better place-- while having extra, sporadic boosts of energy.... that'd be nice.

Something I learned from the guest speakers...

Aside from our previous class, I learned not to wait until the last day to vote. It was awful. I was hoping it would be a quick in and out, but no. I waited, and waited, and waited.

But what I found most important during our visit was the importance of keeping it simple. Unfortunately I didn't happen to realize my roundabout description of what I had learned from student teaching was anything but simple. Engaged faces turned into confused expressions as I stumbled on "... what I'm trying to say is...." I was so concerned I mispronounced a word that for the last week I had been replaying my statement over and over again in my head. I have come to the conclusion that no, I hadn't mispronounced something, but unloaded the trash.

What I learned from that experience, and many similar occasions, is 1. I need to think about what I want to say before I say it, 2. rehearse possible answers (not often, I don't want to sound too rehearsed), 3. try desperately not to stumble over my words, and 4. take nonverbal expressions as cues to "wrap-it-up."

I hope someday my long-winded tendencies will lapse so I can begin a life of simplicity.

Tell me about yourself...

The value of teaching has been intrinsic as I will be the fourth generation of teachers in my family. I learned at an early age how valuable teaching, and teaching well, can be. My mother was late in finding the reward within teaching. She was terribly unhappy throughout my childhood, hopping from job to job. It was then that I realized how important it was to enjoy what you are doing. I enjoy teaching. I enjoy the fulfillment I see in a student's eyes after I taught something well. Until recently, I hadn't fully recognized this feeling of success. I was a senior when I entered into the College of Education. I had finished the basic requirements for a B.A. in art and English, but felt uncertain and unsatisfied, worrying about what I was supposed to do. I was a perfectionist, and felt insecure with my capabilities as an artist and writer. I never felt as secure as I had after courses that dealt with art and English education. It was during those courses that I found myself. I realized the unhappiness and insecurity I had felt was due to my lack of confidence. I felt confident with my mock lesson plans, and I was confident in front of students. I realized then that I was meant to be a teacher. I want to continue my own art and english endeavors, but mostly, I want to share my excitement in those subjects with a population that can grow and develop an appreciation. I am there to teach not only for myself, but for the students. I want the future to find the enjoyment I find in art, English, drama and music. It is important to teach these areas with as much integrity as other subjects, and I intend to do so. I want my students to be aware of the importance art has on society, but mostly, I want students to find themselves, or at least, begin the journey.

Teaching Objective

What is my teaching objective?

My objective at the moment is to help students become competent, confident, and empathetic people. It is important that I help students become involved in art, learn to love art and its benefits, and help students grow into individuals with ideals that can help our society grow. Of course I would like students to grow an appreciation for art and the different applications that can assist their mental, emotional and physical state. It is important that students realize how art is all around, and how deeply intrinsic and powerful it can be.

I came up with this objective by listing phrases that advocate the connection of art, life, and well-being. It is very important for me to teach art in a way that excites, motivates, and develops emotions towards life. It is important for students to become aware of the value art has on our daily lives.