March 7th

As the students came into the classroom, they got their supplies right away without being asked and took their seats when they finished. The teacher doesn't seem to consider the bell at all. It takes about three minutes for everyone to get settled, and then she begins with directions. The students are responsible for remembering what they were working on the day before and getting what they need to continue.

As the students gather their things, the teacher scans the room to take attendance. She does not use a seating chart unless they get out of hand.

The students were finishing up the painting of their containers today. Once the students had finished painting, they were expected to finish their level three final origami piece, if they hadn't done so already. I walked around and watched the students work, making comments and giving advice on occasion. They were so busy and deep in thought about whatever they were doing. Some students were making designs on paper with oil and chalk pastel before they folded it into their origami piece. Others were sharing paint pallets and helping each other mix colors. As I sat down next to the teacher, she commented that she loves it when the students are at this stage in their work. When they are this busy and content, she knows she did something right. I agreed and realized how rewarding it actually was to see them finally making origami on their own and experimenting with color mixing of paint and blending of pastels.

As the teacher and I sat and talked, we discussed some personal things about spring break and current events. I took advantage of this conversation with her to find out about why she decided to become an art teacher. The discussion started out with me asking if she had considered a career involving art, but not in teaching. She went on to tell me about how art had changed her life when she was younger. She originally had a passion for art therapy, but decided that it was an unrealistic endeavor because of the schooling involved and the low demand for art therapy. Taking risks is not her thing, she explained to me. She felt as if it was a risk to do something other than teaching, since teachers have a steady job (or so she previously thought). Studio art was also a consideration, but as she explained, there is no stability in that endeavor. She wanted a job that was immersed in the arts, and being an art teacher was the solution. Now, she seems to be rethinking her career choices, and may look into other options. She really likes her job most of the time, but times are getting tough at this point.

Enrollment in art class is also an issue at this school. The art teacher before her was choice based. The students were expected to take an introductory art course, and from there-on-out would be in advanced art. In advanced art, the students did whatever they wanted. It was completely open, and that is what the students got used to. When the current teacher came along, she ran the art room based on DBAE, for the most part. This was a huge transition for the students to get used to, and the high school students are still in revolt about it. They complain that they actually have to think and do things in art class now. The current teacher is unsure of what she should do, because enrollment in art is very low at this point, and this puts her job and the budget for art at risk in this school. Morally, she desires to teach discipline based art with some free choice thrown in. The community seems to want freedom in the art room. From my point of view, she has a good system going with a nice balance, which I told her. I explained that she gives the students reasonable assignments that are enjoyable. She also allows plenty of time for completion. Some of the lessons have been confusing at times, but we are all human and we learn from our mistakes. She is a young teacher, and she is still learning. Even the seasoned teachers out there still have a lot to learn. It was very disappointing for me to hear that the community doesn't appreciate her endeavors. Also, I noticed that this group of 8th graders seem to love art class. They are happy to be there. But, the teacher explained that the high school students are a different story, because the had the previous art teacher when they were in middle school. The transition is still a problem.

The students clean-up pretty well. When they are done, the teacher asks them to return to their tables and wait until the entire room is clean. If the bell rings, she ignores it. They all get to leave when everything is finished.

As of now, I will be teaching my lesson on March 21st and march 23rd. I am looking forward to it!