End of Semester Advice

This semester has been one of reflection. I had never considered myself as a high school art teacher. During this semesters practicum, I have begun to think more seriously about secondary education as an option for me. At first, I was intimidated by the students themselves. The culture they invest in, the clothes that they wear, the music they're listening too--it was all too much for me. I was concerned that high school students wouldn't care about art. That they were slack and uninvolved. This practicum observation has completely changed my perception of today's adolescents. They aren't slackers, they're over achievers. They aren't uninvolved, they are hyper active. The amount of dedication and time some of these students spend in the art room is amazing to me.

Now, I realize that this district, school, and classroom is probably one in a million. The students are engaged and involved, the school is supportive, and the district values the arts. This is an ideal teaching situation. One piece of advice I will offer myself is to not think that this is inherent. Not every school is ideal. Not every district cares about the importance of visual arts. Not every student body is going to be invested in the arts. I need to make sure that I am not setting my sights beyond a horizon I cannot reach.

I would also tell myself that the importance of student teacher relationships cannot be overstated. Especially in high school. Students are going through an extraordinary amount of change and stress that manifests in different ways. The art room is a space where students can work out those frustrations only if they feel safe and comfortable with the teacher and the class. In the future, I want to create that kind of safe and comfortable environment with my students where they feel they can express themselves completely. I will caution myself to not become to comfortable with students to where they feel they can take advantage of our relationship. A healthy balance between friendship and mutual respect is imperative in the high school art room.

Practicum Observations

During this semester, I have had the opportunity to observe a local high school art teacher. During my observation, I have taken particular notice to the relationships that my teacher has developed with his students and the interaction patterns that he utilizes to keep those relationships fresh and rewarding for both parties. Mr. East* has been teaching for 4 years and was a professional graphic designer for 13 years prior. Using his real world experience, he incorporates light hearted laughter and technology to make his lessons interesting and engaging.

Mr. East is constantly involved in his class. Whether he is delivering a demo, teaching new concepts, or assisting students with their work, he is constantly moving around the classroom and engaging with students. He is rarely sitting down and makes sure to involve and incorporate every student into the discussions. He has an almost 'anything goes' policy when it comes to conversation topics. He welcomes discussions that challenge opinions as long as students are respectful in their discussions. In one day, topics ranged from new Hearthstone card backs to LBGTQ rights. This fluidity in discussion and conversation that Mr. East participates in creates a bond between himself and students and also allows the classroom itself to be an open space for students to express themselves.

I also have noticed an increase in the amount that technology is involved in the curriculum. Students at this particular school were provided with I pads at the beginning of the school year to use for their work. The school is synched onto a social media platform: 'schoology' that connects the students to the teachers and allows them unlimited access to classroom resources. Mr. East uses technology in his classroom that makes his lessons exciting and relevant to his students.