Ok. So now it's official...I think. I'm still waiting on the board minutes to be amended. I'll be teaching art next year. It will be my 33rd year of teaching, but only my 2nd year teaching art. My life has come full circle. Ironically, cutbacks made me move out of art education in the early 80's. Now cutbacks are giving me the opportunity to become the teacher I started out to become; an art teacher.
Our school has been trying to reduce positions through attrition, so when teachers retire, they don't hire if they can avoid it. So I was faced with taking the Art position or bumping a less senior colleague out of their job as an elementary teacher. In this economy, I just couldn't do that to someone even if I had more experience teaching the elementary grades.
You see for 13 years I have been the technology teacher in a K-12 building in the Adirondack Park in New York. Before that I was an elementary teacher for 14 years in Texas. I earned a gifted education endorsement and an ESL certification there too. There's also 5 years teaching in several private schools between public school gigs as well; 1 art, 2 elementary and 2 technology.
So here I am and oddly enough I am excited and frightened at the same time. The current Art teacher who is retiring you probably know as Phyl from There's a Dragon in My Art Room. She has turned me on to the blogging world. It was the boost I needed to feel confident enough to take this position on. I have been scouring the blogs for ideas to teach and wow are there many great ideas out there. I'm going to say "Thanks" now to all you bloggers, because you are going to get me through this first year as I get my "Art Wings" back. I hope to contribute too, but be patient with me. It may take a while.
YOU'LL BE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are going to bring something totally different to the plate..and that's great!!! If you ever need anything...please feel free to hit me up!! - Mr. E from Art With Mr. E
ReplyDeletePS...I did a post about you & your blog! :)
DeleteI think my first reply (on my Iphone) didn't work so here goes. Thanks so much for welcoming me in such a wonderful way. I didn't know how to go about it. I just put up my blog and started following others. You gave it the boost I needed. Thanks again.
DeleteWELCOME!!! The art blogs are an amazing way to keep and find projects/ideas/help and support. Perhaps, also join Pinterest - I love being able to 'pin' an idea and come back to it when I'm ready to look at it further.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure that teaching art is the BEST job in the whole world. It won't take long to get those wings back - kind of like riding a bike. Enjoy the small moments and enjoy the organized chaos.
The art community in blogging is a wonderful group - any of us would be glad to help with as much as we can - just let us know!
-Ms Novak from "Organized Chaos" (www.msnovak.blogspot.com)
Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. Pinterest is next on my list.
DeleteWELCOME!!! Phyl was one of the first to join my blog when I started it this January, I now in turn welcome you aboard to the world of art bloggers! I have learned and gained so much from blogging and seeing what all the other art teachers around the country(and world) are up to in their classrooms. It has been interesting to see how we are all alike and different. I wish you the best of luck as you begin this new chapter in your career! Happy Blogging!
ReplyDeleteMrs."C" :) (t castrogiovanni)from rainbowskiesanddragonflies.blogspot.com
Thanks so much. I am so excited that there are so many art teachers out there. We're not alone. What a great feeling.
DeleteYou will be great! And I agree with all of the comments from above! -chris
ReplyDeletehockadayart.blogspot.com
Thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to probably the most fun I've had teaching.
DeleteWelcome!!! This is a great community for sharing! It is just like reading a bike you will do GREAT! Don't be afraid to ask for help because we are here to support each other!!!! Cheers! :) Laura
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura. I've enjoyed your blog. I'm already planning on using some of your lessons my first year.
DeleteWelcome to THE GROUP!! First, congratulations that all the kinks have been ironed out and that you officially have the job. I hope you love it as much as we all do. I'm sure Phyl has helped you with your ordering of supplies so you will be good to go in the Fall. Believe me when I say, all you have to do when you have a question is throw it out here to the blog world and we'll get back to you pretty quickly. Have fun with it:))) Christie
ReplyDeleteThanks Christie. It's so great to not feel alone. When I started it was much different. I taught at 4 different schools, one each day of the week. Never got to know anyone I worked with. A quick in and out. Different grades, different periods...
DeleteThis job is a dream.
Love the blog name, Cathy, and you are now the proud owner of a papier-mache dragonfly. It will be fun next year to check your blog and see what you are up to in my (oops YOUR) art room! I have total confidence that you'll do great :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your support. It means so much to me.
DeleteWelcome! You will love our little collection of art teachers!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen. Signed up to follow you too.
DeleteBest of luck!
ReplyDeleteJoanna
Www.ourartlately.blogspot.com
Thanks Joanna. I love the way your site is set up. I'm still trying to get there. I'll improve with time.
DeleteWelcome, Cathy! I have only been blogging for a year and it has brought me so many new ideas for teaching art, but more importantly, so many new friends! I talk to someone everyday on my blog or theirs and always come away from the conversation feeling like I'm not alone out here and I hope you will feel the same way. After reading all of the comments people have left you, I think the overall theme is that we are here for you! Please don't hesitate to ask for help about materials, sources, book recommendations, classroom organization tips etc. We all love Phyl and we're ready to spread the love as you begin your new journey!
ReplyDelete:)Pat
Boy will I have a lot of questions! Right now I'm trying to predict the materials I need and see what Phyl has left and do requisitions. I already asked the principal to be flexible the first year because I may find out I need something I didn't order and she was OK with that. I've gathered many lessons from the bloggers, put them in binders by grade. Now I have to choose what to do....align it with the core standards....and get the room ready. It's going to be a busy summer to say the least. Thanks for your friendship. I have a feeling we'll be getting to know each other.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on returning to your true calling as an art teacher. Blogging is by far the best way I have found to stay connected with what is going on in other art rooms and even to keep my own ideas organized. In fact my blog has replaced my notebook in many ways. Feel free to follow me.
ReplyDeleteMargaurita at Learn to Teach. Teach to Learn. margauritaspear.blogspot.com
Thanks Margaurita. It feels good to get back to Art.
DeleteI am also an art teacher who took the long path to get my dream job. Welcome back to full circle. Hope your experience is as joyful as mine. Wishing you blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anita. I am getting excited. Two weeks till school is over. Then clean out my old room and move into the new room!
DeleteWelcome! You will never go without ideas once you jump into the art ed blogosphere! I look forward to seeing your posts and I'll put you on my blogroll. Good luck next school year! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I have found so much on the web. I hope I remember where I saw it so I can give credit. My goal is by the end of the year to post some that are original. A lofty goal!
DeleteI love reading art teachers' blogs. I'm certified in three subject areas, but I'm going to take my art subject exam this summer. I'm not entirely sure why, as the outlook for employment doesn't look very good, but I must be true to my passionate, artsy self. I look forward to following your success this year. Best wishes to you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathleen. The more degrees the better I say. Every time I had the opportunity to learn, I did. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have found the job that brought me to the Adirondacks and eventually back to Art. You'll never regret learning.
DeleteCathy, it's time to show us what the room looks like! Have a great first day. I'll be thinking of you. Good luck with the K's and remember, they are just tadpoles - you need to help them grow their legs! Post some pics, please!!
ReplyDelete