artteacheradventures:

msleahhbic:

artteacheradventures:

msleahhbic:

Ok, so now that the happies are over. I need to reflect.

This is definitely a tough school.

This principal means business.

It’s a high needs middle school in the Bronx, the admin does not mess around. He made that very clear to me. Before my in-person interview he wants me to e-mail him about…

A tough environment makes you a stronger teacher. A great teacher who can work in an inner city school can teach anywhere, but a good teacher who can teach in a suburban school cannot teach in an inner city school. You want to be the type of teacher who can make it anywhere so you want to start at a school that will give you those skills. You want to teach at a school that will make you great. A strong teacher. A confidant teacher.

Absolutely. I’m just thinking a lot lately about new teachers in high needs schools. I question whether I have the right to essentially experiment on kids while I’m still learning. Maybe it’s all the rejections I’ve gotten so far, but I can’t help but wonder if I should be in a classroom full-time right now; particularly in such a high needs situation. 

Everyone needs a start. Your first year of teaching is an experiment no matter where you go. At least let it be somewhere where you are making a difference and where you are needed :)

Everyone was a first year teacher. The first year is always hard. And, as a teacher, I’m still experimenting -as you say- on my students as an 8 year veteran. I’m always trying new stuff. Sometimes, the new stuff works seamlessly. Sometimes, imma like “dayum. That went sideways.” there are always new standards and methods being tossed at teachers, so we are actively forced to be fluid enough to try new things. Your willingness to experiment (in an interview I would say “investigate new methodologies”), demonstrates you are someone who willing to adapt and change as needed. A lot of teachers get complacent, and want to do the same things year after year…at first, that is fine…But, over time their methods become outdated and irrelevant. Don’t be embarrassed to be a first yer teacher, and don’t worry yourself about “experimenting.” Kids are resilient. And, administrators in tough schools are looking for teachers who are excited to be in the classroom and whom are curious about the implementation of various methodologies that will engender positive learning environments full of excited and motivated learners. First year teachers bring great enthusiasm to their classrooms; the trick is maintaining your enthusiasm over time! I’m really excited to be a teacher, and somewhat idealistic. Because of that, when I speak at conferences etc. people lays think m a 1st or 2nd year teacher…like we should get jaded and hardened over time!? I consider their false assumptions to be the best compliment ever.

msleahhbic:

artfulartsyamy:

msleahhbic:

Ok, so now that the happies are over. I need to reflect.

This is definitely a tough school.

This principal means business.

It’s a high needs middle school in the Bronx, the admin does not mess around. He made that very clear to me. Before my in-person interview he wants me to e-mail him about…

Okay. I’ve taught Art for 8 years. Currently, I work in a really tough school. At first, I looked at it as a place I was gonna work until my dream job (which was hypothetical) came around. The first year was brutal. The second year something happened (long story) and I committed to my school and students. I decided if I was going to work in a tough environment, I was gonna be a gladiator for my kids. And I am. I’m a big, tough, scary, wolf-mama for my students. My classroom is a place of solace, my ear is a kind friend, and I work incredibly hard to have my students’ endeavors recognized in the school, community, district, press, and (on a few occasions) nationally. Working in tough schools is not for the faint of heart, but it is the most incredible, wonderful, amazing, and humbling experience to empower students who are often viewed as “less-than” or “throw-aways.”

Good Luck!!

I love the phrase “gladiator for my students.” I’m stealing that.

This is exactly what I’ve said I want. It still is, but I also know how important it is for these students to have an exceptional teacher. I’m not sure I’m there yet, so this is kinda scary.

*also, at some point I would love to hear the long story that helped you commit to teaching at your school* 

Awww I’m so glad It resonated! I’d love to share my “I’m committing to these kids story!” Maybe, I’ll do a post about it? Again, best of luck to you!! We need more enthusiastic teachers of the Arts who are excited to serve on the front lines of education. I call it the “front lines” because Art is often the first program cut from tough schools. You have to work to make your program an integral and indispensable part of your school’s culture.

msleahhbic:

Ok, so now that the happies are over. I need to reflect.

This is definitely a tough school.

This principal means business.

It’s a high needs middle school in the Bronx, the admin does not mess around. He made that very clear to me. Before my in-person interview he wants me to e-mail him about…

Okay. I’ve taught Art for 8 years. Currently, I work in a really tough school. At first, I looked at it as a place I was gonna work until my dream job (which was hypothetical) came around. The first year was brutal. The second year something happened (long story) and I committed to my school and students. I decided if I was going to work in a tough environment, I was gonna be a gladiator for my kids. And I am. I’m a big, tough, scary, wolf-mama for my students. My classroom is a place of solace, my ear is a kind friend, and I work incredibly hard to have my students’ endeavors recognized in the school, community, district, press, and (on a few occasions) nationally. Working in tough schools is not for the faint of heart, but it is the most incredible, wonderful, amazing, and humbling experience to empower students who are often viewed as “less-than” or “throw-aways.”

Good Luck!!