First year teaching...

[Jovahna]

Hey all art ed. people! I wanted to give a little update to all of you from last year/semester. After some interesting connections, I have sort of by-passed student teaching this semester by taking a full time teaching position in a k-8 arts based charter school down in the valley as an art teacher. I am just finishing up my first week of teaching, and have probably learned more in this past week than I could have ever possibly imagined! I would love to collaborate with those who are going to be student teaching this semester, or any other art ed. people who are interested in sharing lesson plans, ideas for first year teaching, etc. I have little to share right now other than the first week is crazy and exhausting but exciting! Hope to be in touch with you all...

[Pam Stephens]

Before everyone gets the idea that student teaching can be bypassed, let me explain what Jovahna is doing.

As a graduate student in the CoE seeking art endorsement, students are allowed to take emergency certifications under certain conditions. This is not an option for undergraduates.

The CoE still considers even those graduate students who are working under an emergency cert as student teachers; therefore, a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor are assigned. There are some caveats as well as plus factors.

That said, thank you, Jovahna, for signing on and sharing your insights. Classes resume in a few weeks and I am sure there will be plenty of questions for you.

Best wishes for a terrific semester!
Pam

[Katie]

I just came across this website and felt it would be a good resource, as I also am in a similar situation to Jovahna...I'll be moving straight into a full time job as a k-8 art teacher, rather than go the student teaching route. It does seem crazy in terms of time, but it felt like a good thing to do, so we'll see.
My biggest question deals with setting up my art room in the first week of school. I know this is a critical time and really sets the tone for the rest of the year. I was wondering if anyone has a list of procedures or rules that they post specifically in the art room? I'm jotting things down but I'm sure there are things I'm not thinking about. I liked your thoughts Pam on classroom discipline, and feel it's good to be proactive and think about situations before they arise.
What other good ideas does anyone have for creating that initial experience in the art room? Do people start off with icebreakers in the classroom or do you go straight into an art project?
Also, I'm just curious as to the norm of combining similar grade levels to share a lesson. That is to say, do most teachers do something similar for their 3rd grade class as for their 4th (maybe with a bit more challenge?)
That's a lot to chew on, but I appreciate anyone's thoughts on these matters. Thank you.

[Pam Stephens]

Katie:

Go to my website, http://artresourcesforteachers.com and then click on NAU Students. The student page is not very pretty, but it has lots of info. Scroll down to the heading "Hints for a Better Student Teaching Experience" and you'll find quite a few articles from my column "Student Teacher Survival Guide."

Good luck!
Pam

[Jesse Bradley]

yay jovahna!! soo exciting!! I began my first week of student teaching this week, and I can't even imagine what must be feeling right now! I am pretty overwhelmed and nervous, but pumped for the kids to start next week and get the ball rolling! Have your kids started yet? I am in the process of lesson planning and feeling pretty overwhelmed with it-as I'm sure you have been. I would be happy to send yo what I have for elementary and middle school, if you have any middle school or high school lessons you would like to share do send them my way! :) I am soo happy for you, definitely keep us all updated!!

Good Luck!

Jesse