Developing as a Professional Educator
Goals
Describe a professional goal you have for yourself beyond induction. Why have you identified this as a need or interest?
Currently I am doing a sculpture unit for the first time in Visual Art. I am trying slightly different paper mache variations and methods in each section of the class to see what works best. It is crazy all the little things that crop up that are hard to plan for! I have a google sheet where I am tracking progress and keeping a list of materials, tools and supply needs. Next year, when it comes time to order supplies, I will have a better understanding of what I need to have on hand. After next year’s class finishes I can compare the end results. I expect higher quality projects and a smoother, shorter run time for the unit.
Sustaining energy/Advice for new teachers:
I view expanding offerings, trying out new things in the classroom as a way to sustain my energy and passion for art. Going through this cycle of setting out to do something, tracking progress, then reflecting on it is powerful. As a new teacher it is great to get advice from seasoned professionals. However, the reason they are good at what they do is often because of hard earned, years long classroom experience. It is tempting to see all of the things you want to do and rush to do them all at once. I think I have benefitted this year from selecting a few key areas and working them until they work well. If I can repeat that process year by year I can get a new area dialed in and eventually grow into a complete, yearlong curriculum that works well for students and fits my style.