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.

So far __, but I' would still like to __.

This experience has been a good one. I went into elementary art thinking I would appreciate and feel more comfortable in a secondary school setting. I am not certain whether this will continue to be my perception. I have found that I can teach at the elementary level and enjoy it. It was a struggle, in the beginning, to train myself to think as an elementary student. I found myself saying phrases like "the contour of your monster could use some work" or "some shading here could give your drawing depth and direct the viewer to a focal point." It was difficult to adjust my vocabulary, although I often feel my vocabulary has weakened from September. "Zig-zag," "fluffy," "curvy," "straight," and "bumpy" have been used to describe the contours of chalk-pastel monsters.

Aside from nit-picking on my decimating vocabulary, I have been impressed with my experience. I think I have done a pretty good job, but of course, I would still like to improve on countless areas of my teaching ability. So far, I have learned a great deal. I came into elementary student teaching without a clue. I hadn't a lesson plan devised, or a management strategy thought out. I was a deer in headlights, and thankfully, I was guided across the road to safety. My cooperating teacher has been very supportive, and I am very grateful for her assistance and thoughtfulness through trying times. So far, I have been successful with having, maintaining and retaining students' attention by using different techniques. Overall, I was able to establish a well-respected environment with the kids. They followed my directions and were quick to realize their mistakes when I approached them.

So far, I haven't had the opportunity to teach many of my own lessons. There were a few that I incorporated into my teacher's plan, but I would like to have a little more freedom with which lessons I write and teach. My teacher had most of the mediums and projects devised, and throughout the experience, I basically taught her lessons. Even though every lesson was good, and certainly mine would be incomparable, I would like to have the opportunity to devise something on my own and try it. I am looking forward to secondary student teaching. It looks as though I may have more freedom to do what I plan, which in the same right, is a bit intimidating.

This is an interesting transition. It feels as though we should be nearing the end where things begin to wind down, but in all actuality, things are only just beginning. Therefore, so far, I have had a great time, but I would still like to continue these times of greatness.