THIS IS WHY

I have been thinking since the NAEA conference about what is it that is MY thing... what would be my niche in a blog? What can I share to the art teacher world that they would want to read - especially since I am a FIRST year (technically 2 but that is another story) art teacher???

..and then it HIT ME. So, yes, this is my 1st year in Art but I have been teaching for 14 years and I have a TRUTH that ALL REAL ART TEACHERS ALREADY KNOW -

                      WE ARE THE LAST OF THE TRUE ARTISTS OF TEACHERS.


We all have heard stories how good teachers are leaving the field due to tests, demands, low pay, common core, etc.... Well - it is that and so much more than that to me.
See, I am a teacher first. I have been to THE OTHER SIDE. I am and forever will be a teacher - it just pours out of me whether I like it or not. (just ask my husband) I have taught in the classroom and I see the demands. I see what is being asked of the students AND the teachers. I think most are in agreement that something needs to change - because the art of teaching is dying.

I switched to art teacher for none of the reasons above. At the time, I just knew the art teacher was leaving and I have always wanted to teach Art. I LOVE art and love being creative. Even then I did not realize what I now know - I left the regular classroom so that I could become the teacher I should be.

I have always held these beliefs about my career but over time had forgotten how important they are to MY definition of a TEACHER:
1.) A good teacher believes in herself.
2.) A good teacher enjoys life.
3.) A good teacher does something for herself everyday.
4.) A good teacher does something for someone else everyday - and does NOT want credit for it.
5.) A good teacher learns something new everyday - and shares it.
6.) A good teacher allows for students each day to reach THEIR dreams.

When I teach Art, I am more those beliefs. I feel more like a REAL teacher than I have in awhile... and I KNOW the kids are pushed to THINK more.

A few of the truths that this year in the art room has taught me:
there is more than one way to get the answer,
it is ok to think different,
a mistake can turn into the most beautiful part,
beauty comes in lots of forms,
life is messy,
and most important - sometimes you just got to throw a little glitter on it!

That to me is the art of teaching.

                                  Thank you ART TEACHERS!




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