Getting A Job...
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First, there are probably as many ideas out there about getting a job as there are jobs.
Second, Art Education Jobs are VERY desirable. For every one position there may be 200 or more applicants. Third, if you can get by the A.I. filters (see below), studies show the average employer spends 8 seconds on the average resume. (See right) Last: If you are not tied down with a mortgage, and are willing to go on an adventure, consider an international teaching job through International School Services. When you return, you are a more salable candidate. (www.Iss.edu) With all this in mind, you need to think like the recruiter to get the job, not like an art teacher... When we talk to "outsiders" (Administrators) about how creative, fun, and full of self expression our subject is, those same outsiders hear "frivolous." But if instead we tell them that art is about problem solving, divergent thinking processes, making connections to core subjects like math, science, literature, and that our students score significantly higher on important assessments like the SAT, they "get it." (See THIS PAGE for more.) |
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We must learn to speak the language of "outsiders," who believe what is important can be measured, tested, and rewarded. We continue to do what we have always done... teaching joy.
When applying for a job, focus on this: when we grid, measure, and draw—we use geometry. When we make sculptures—we use engineering. When we mix colors—we reveal information about physics. When we create illustrations for stories—we learn about literature. When we review the styles of art from da Vinci to Bansky—we teach history. When we teach ceramics—we're teach chemestry and geology. When we write about art—we strengthen these skills. When we create works of art, we solve complex visual problems in creative ways.
Evidence supports the fact that art students are more successful than their non-art involved peers by a significant margin. Students who take art succeed at higher rates than their peers on tests like the SAT, on average, by 100 points. My own student in 2013 scored 155 points higher than their peers, and were 50% more likely to pass the HSPA! Keep your focus on facts, not "feelings."
When applying for a job, focus on this: when we grid, measure, and draw—we use geometry. When we make sculptures—we use engineering. When we mix colors—we reveal information about physics. When we create illustrations for stories—we learn about literature. When we review the styles of art from da Vinci to Bansky—we teach history. When we teach ceramics—we're teach chemestry and geology. When we write about art—we strengthen these skills. When we create works of art, we solve complex visual problems in creative ways.
Evidence supports the fact that art students are more successful than their non-art involved peers by a significant margin. Students who take art succeed at higher rates than their peers on tests like the SAT, on average, by 100 points. My own student in 2013 scored 155 points higher than their peers, and were 50% more likely to pass the HSPA! Keep your focus on facts, not "feelings."
Resumes in the age of A.I.
Your initial resume will likely be read by an Artificial Intelligence System before it moves onto a human. It is important to optimize your resume for A.I. Review, and to optimize it for "your" school system's A.I. hiring platform. Assess that first by asking ChatGPT what AI resume reviewing platform is being used by the school system you are applying to. Once you know that add it to the next step.
This prompt in ChatGPT will be helpful. Copy, paste, and customize for yourself:
"Hi ChatGPT, I’m looking to apply for art teacher positions, mainly in K–12 public and private schools. I have around 10 years of experience teaching art in different settings, including after-school programs and middle schools. I’d like you to help me improve my resume so that it’s optimized for ATS systems (i.e., uses keywords, clean formatting, etc.). I’ll paste my current resume below. Please: 1. Ask any clarifying questions about gaps, experience, or skills. 2. Help me revise the resume so it’s clean, keyword-optimized, and easy for the _____(insert school systems A.I. platform)____ ATS to parse. 3. Create a brief summary or profile for the top of the resume that aligns with my goals and the stated goals of the school district which are ______. "
Your initial resume will likely be read by an Artificial Intelligence System before it moves onto a human. It is important to optimize your resume for A.I. Review, and to optimize it for "your" school system's A.I. hiring platform. Assess that first by asking ChatGPT what AI resume reviewing platform is being used by the school system you are applying to. Once you know that add it to the next step.
This prompt in ChatGPT will be helpful. Copy, paste, and customize for yourself:
"Hi ChatGPT, I’m looking to apply for art teacher positions, mainly in K–12 public and private schools. I have around 10 years of experience teaching art in different settings, including after-school programs and middle schools. I’d like you to help me improve my resume so that it’s optimized for ATS systems (i.e., uses keywords, clean formatting, etc.). I’ll paste my current resume below. Please: 1. Ask any clarifying questions about gaps, experience, or skills. 2. Help me revise the resume so it’s clean, keyword-optimized, and easy for the _____(insert school systems A.I. platform)____ ATS to parse. 3. Create a brief summary or profile for the top of the resume that aligns with my goals and the stated goals of the school district which are ______. "
Here's a great video from my friend Rachel Wintemberg: "How to become an Art Teacher."
15 Things Nobody Tells You About Becoming An Art Teacher - From the great blog: The Art of Ed.
Great Interview Advice from The Art Room Blog
What level will you be teaching? It's something to consider. Here are some generalizations.
Elementary:
Pro's:
Middle School
Pro's:
High School
Pro's:
Elementary:
Pro's:
- They come excited to make art
- They will believe your skills are magical
- They are are easier to control/manage
- No Teen drama
- Easy to grade
- You will always be on your feet
- It's like herding kittens
- Short classes with little carry-over
- Parental drama
- You could slip into the cookie-cutter project trap (Easy but vapid)
Middle School
Pro's:
- Higher level skills
- Many find it a fun age
- You have a huge influence on them
- Less parental drama (but still some)
- Hormonal Drama
- If a mandated class you'll have kids that say they "hate" art
- You need the patience of a saint, and thick skin
- Social media is a real disruptor
High School
Pro's:
- They generally choose your class
- Deeper dives into explorations
- You can be surprised by their skills
- There are quiet times when you can create too (and should)
- Problems are more "adult" & serious
- It's hard for young teachers to earn respect
- Master manipulators
- Grading has to be rock solid with a strong rubric
Making yourself more "salable."
You need to be somehow better than other applicants in a way that an administrator would appreciate. These are some of the things I did to get ahead. (Don't forget a creative thank you note after an interview!)
Teach/Study abroad. (I did a student exchange for my junior year to Japan, and taught 2 years in Egypt.)
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND International School Services. Fees are often refunded by the school you get a job with once you're hired. If they don't say so, ask. It's pretty common.
Teach/work in a challenging setting. I worked for several group homes for autistic adults and teens. The skills I learned there I use DAILY as a teacher. This might also include volunteering in the inner city, a half-way house, youth detention volunteer, etc. Think a bit outside of the box. Challenge yourself.
Travel and learn another language! I lived in Egypt, Japan, visited Korea, France, Greece, Israel, Mexico, and more, I speak enough Japanese, Arabic, and Spanish to get into or out of trouble, hardly fluent, but helpful.
Get Published! School Arts is always looking for articles. I have several published with them along with a few books. You can self-publish as well for free through Amazon KDP. I highly recommend them.
TEACH ART! Volunteer at a school, camp, hospital, whatever, and take a TON OF PICTURES! I have taught at a summer camp for more than 25 years... It's a great place to experiment with new lesson ideas.
Have another skill that schools will appreciate, coaching, drama, nursing, whatever.
Exhibiting... May be nice, but it's not as appreciated as the other stuff. I have work in the White House, several collections internationally, and have exhibited in Japan, Egypt, Paris, and all over the US... again though it's not really "appreciated" in the context of getting a job. They want to know what you'll do for the kids, not so much for yourself. If you can parlay that experience into teaching kids real-world job skills, that's a good angle.
The last thing I will add is the importance of confidence through the process. THIS VIDEO from Ted.com may be very helpful as you look for a job and interview.
You need to be somehow better than other applicants in a way that an administrator would appreciate. These are some of the things I did to get ahead. (Don't forget a creative thank you note after an interview!)
Teach/Study abroad. (I did a student exchange for my junior year to Japan, and taught 2 years in Egypt.)
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND International School Services. Fees are often refunded by the school you get a job with once you're hired. If they don't say so, ask. It's pretty common.
Teach/work in a challenging setting. I worked for several group homes for autistic adults and teens. The skills I learned there I use DAILY as a teacher. This might also include volunteering in the inner city, a half-way house, youth detention volunteer, etc. Think a bit outside of the box. Challenge yourself.
Travel and learn another language! I lived in Egypt, Japan, visited Korea, France, Greece, Israel, Mexico, and more, I speak enough Japanese, Arabic, and Spanish to get into or out of trouble, hardly fluent, but helpful.
Get Published! School Arts is always looking for articles. I have several published with them along with a few books. You can self-publish as well for free through Amazon KDP. I highly recommend them.
TEACH ART! Volunteer at a school, camp, hospital, whatever, and take a TON OF PICTURES! I have taught at a summer camp for more than 25 years... It's a great place to experiment with new lesson ideas.
Have another skill that schools will appreciate, coaching, drama, nursing, whatever.
Exhibiting... May be nice, but it's not as appreciated as the other stuff. I have work in the White House, several collections internationally, and have exhibited in Japan, Egypt, Paris, and all over the US... again though it's not really "appreciated" in the context of getting a job. They want to know what you'll do for the kids, not so much for yourself. If you can parlay that experience into teaching kids real-world job skills, that's a good angle.
The last thing I will add is the importance of confidence through the process. THIS VIDEO from Ted.com may be very helpful as you look for a job and interview.
The Resume:
You will get a ton of advice on resumes, but keep this in mind, YOU want to be an ART TEACHER... that's a little different and gives you the latitude to do something CrEaTiVe... student teachers who followed my advice are TEACHERS now, and got jobs quickly!
I don't care if the school says to not send a physical resume... If you really want the job, you will mail in something to knock their socks off. Use the above advice to get through A.I. review, but send in a physical resume as well. If you plan to send only a boring black and white "corporate style" resume, YOU DON'T WANT THE JOB. So don't bother.
You should have a "corporate-style" resume to hand them at the initial interview, but the first resume should be something unusual, very visual, and get noticed! (but not noticed for pore spellen' er gramma!)
The key is to GET AN INTERVIEW with the first resume, give them the boring details when you walk in with your corporate version and lots of image of projects you have done, or experiences you bring to the job making you the desirable candidate.
My Three Resume Rules:
#1. It must have color!
#2. It must be ONE Page, unless a second page is a visual addition to show off the top page. (Like a resume with holes in it (see sample)
#3. It must include language or references to an inter-curricular approach and be well proofread.
Suggestions:
A: An aged map like scroll "Discovering Connections Through Art" With islands of Math, Science, Literature, etc connected through the "ship" of Art. Additional islands include your education, experience, skills, and objective. Use 11 x 17 paper so you can make a few copies, and age them with coffee and crumples.
B: A pop-up scene that reveals you as an innovative teacher. Look up pop-up cards for ideas on how to engineer one. Consider re-making a pop-up book for the dream position. It's a lot of work, but it may be worth it.
C: Create a poster that can be unfolded to reveal your skills as a teacher and the connections art makes to other areas. I have uploaded some more simple ideas below. These are not final samples, but ones that were/are in the process.
You will get a ton of advice on resumes, but keep this in mind, YOU want to be an ART TEACHER... that's a little different and gives you the latitude to do something CrEaTiVe... student teachers who followed my advice are TEACHERS now, and got jobs quickly!
I don't care if the school says to not send a physical resume... If you really want the job, you will mail in something to knock their socks off. Use the above advice to get through A.I. review, but send in a physical resume as well. If you plan to send only a boring black and white "corporate style" resume, YOU DON'T WANT THE JOB. So don't bother.
You should have a "corporate-style" resume to hand them at the initial interview, but the first resume should be something unusual, very visual, and get noticed! (but not noticed for pore spellen' er gramma!)
The key is to GET AN INTERVIEW with the first resume, give them the boring details when you walk in with your corporate version and lots of image of projects you have done, or experiences you bring to the job making you the desirable candidate.
My Three Resume Rules:
#1. It must have color!
#2. It must be ONE Page, unless a second page is a visual addition to show off the top page. (Like a resume with holes in it (see sample)
#3. It must include language or references to an inter-curricular approach and be well proofread.
Suggestions:
A: An aged map like scroll "Discovering Connections Through Art" With islands of Math, Science, Literature, etc connected through the "ship" of Art. Additional islands include your education, experience, skills, and objective. Use 11 x 17 paper so you can make a few copies, and age them with coffee and crumples.
B: A pop-up scene that reveals you as an innovative teacher. Look up pop-up cards for ideas on how to engineer one. Consider re-making a pop-up book for the dream position. It's a lot of work, but it may be worth it.
C: Create a poster that can be unfolded to reveal your skills as a teacher and the connections art makes to other areas. I have uploaded some more simple ideas below. These are not final samples, but ones that were/are in the process.
Here are some unique resume samples:
Letters of Recommendation: People are busy. Especially administrators and employers. When you ask for a letter of recommendation, include an outline of your accomplishments, or (and this may sound weird) send them one you wish they had written for you. Preface it by saying, "I know you are really busy, but I thought it might help to give you something you are welcome to edit, change, or toss as you see fit."
This is thoughtful of their time on your part, and may include all the things you were hoping they would remember. We're all busy, but your need should not make their life more difficult.
This is thoughtful of their time on your part, and may include all the things you were hoping they would remember. We're all busy, but your need should not make their life more difficult.
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Do you REALLY want the job?? RED FLAGS to look for...
Low Budget: If you see an average of 200 students in a day, then a budget of $2000 is average-ish. Lower may be a red flag. HERE for more. No Room: Art on a cart CAN be a red flag unless the school is growing. Art is a Prep: Words matter, do they value art? Read THIS! |
20 Fairly Common Interview Questions
Feel free to copy and paste into a document and answer these before your interview.
1. Tell us about your teaching experiences and why you became a teacher.
2. What experiences have you had with culturally diverse students?
3. What skills make you a good art teacher?
4. What are the important parts of a lesson plan?
5. What was the most successful lesson you have taught? Why was it so successful?
6. How do you handle a difficult or non-motivated student?
7. How do you address national standards?
8. What typically happens in your art room on any given day? What might I see?
9. How do you instruct students of varying abilities within the same class?
10. What kinds of assessment do you use?
11. What strategies do you use to motivate students?
12. Describe your classroom management style.
13. What are your classroom rules? How are they established?
14. How do you utilize technology to enhance instruction?
15. How do you communicate with parents to help your students?
16. When and why would you contact parents?
17. How do you foster good student-to-student communication?
18. How do you fit in with STEAM/STEM? (Example?)
19. Describe your use of PLCs. (Professional Learning Communities - ei. Facebook, blogs, etc.)
20. What sets you apart from other candidates we may interview?
Feel free to copy and paste into a document and answer these before your interview.
1. Tell us about your teaching experiences and why you became a teacher.
2. What experiences have you had with culturally diverse students?
3. What skills make you a good art teacher?
4. What are the important parts of a lesson plan?
5. What was the most successful lesson you have taught? Why was it so successful?
6. How do you handle a difficult or non-motivated student?
7. How do you address national standards?
8. What typically happens in your art room on any given day? What might I see?
9. How do you instruct students of varying abilities within the same class?
10. What kinds of assessment do you use?
11. What strategies do you use to motivate students?
12. Describe your classroom management style.
13. What are your classroom rules? How are they established?
14. How do you utilize technology to enhance instruction?
15. How do you communicate with parents to help your students?
16. When and why would you contact parents?
17. How do you foster good student-to-student communication?
18. How do you fit in with STEAM/STEM? (Example?)
19. Describe your use of PLCs. (Professional Learning Communities - ei. Facebook, blogs, etc.)
20. What sets you apart from other candidates we may interview?
"Do you have any questions for us?" is often how and interview ends...
Do you ask about budget? How much the school supports the arts? How do you ask a question that does not end the interview on a sour note? In my opinion, the best question to end the interview with is this...
"What do you feel is the most desirable attribute in a teacher here at __________?" This can break the ice to help clarify something you forgot to say.
If you feel particularly gutsy, you can ask: "As you look back on our meeting, what do you think might prevent me from getting a position on staff here that I may be able to clarify?"
A third question can indicate how they feel about art... "What is art called in your school? Elective, Speical, Exploratory?" This can be an indication of the level of professional respect your administration and the school holds for that position. If you are just a "pull-out" or "prep," you may not be respected, less likely to be able to participate in professional development opportunities at your art ed conventions. You may also be less challenged to step up your game, because they don't care as long as you cover pee breaks for the "real" classes. As a "pull-out" or "prep," that's all you're good for. That kind of lack of support eats your soul, diminishes your role in the eyes of others, and in my opinion, is a kind of psychological abuse. So ask about it.
Both questions will help address any forgotten points, make you appear to be pro-active, and give you a good feel for the reality of the job hiring situation.
Do you ask about budget? How much the school supports the arts? How do you ask a question that does not end the interview on a sour note? In my opinion, the best question to end the interview with is this...
"What do you feel is the most desirable attribute in a teacher here at __________?" This can break the ice to help clarify something you forgot to say.
If you feel particularly gutsy, you can ask: "As you look back on our meeting, what do you think might prevent me from getting a position on staff here that I may be able to clarify?"
A third question can indicate how they feel about art... "What is art called in your school? Elective, Speical, Exploratory?" This can be an indication of the level of professional respect your administration and the school holds for that position. If you are just a "pull-out" or "prep," you may not be respected, less likely to be able to participate in professional development opportunities at your art ed conventions. You may also be less challenged to step up your game, because they don't care as long as you cover pee breaks for the "real" classes. As a "pull-out" or "prep," that's all you're good for. That kind of lack of support eats your soul, diminishes your role in the eyes of others, and in my opinion, is a kind of psychological abuse. So ask about it.
Both questions will help address any forgotten points, make you appear to be pro-active, and give you a good feel for the reality of the job hiring situation.
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"How long to know if I got the job?"
Not all employers are timely in their notifications. Some may not even follow up with "I'm sorry, but we have decided to go with someone else." Sadly, in many schools, the art position is not a "high priority." I conducted a poll in the Art Teacher's Facebook forum, and about 80% of people knew they had the job within 3 days of the interview. Actually, more than 60% found out in the same day! About 15% found out a week or two later. So if you don't hear from them within 3 days, chances start falling rapidly. This does not mean you should lose hope, but rather you need to keep searching and moving forward. Many schools have just 1 art teacher, or just a half time person. It's very competitive. |
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Resources:
Though I have MANY free resources all over this blog, the following books will be helpful for new teachers and those seeking new lessons and ideas for a new position. Go HERE for 30% off these.
Though I have MANY free resources all over this blog, the following books will be helpful for new teachers and those seeking new lessons and ideas for a new position. Go HERE for 30% off these.
- For Student Teachers and first year teachers
- Fifty K-12th Choice-Based Lessons Part 1, Fifty-one More: Part 2
- Lessons for middle and high school
- Diverse art assessments
- Sub Plans
Sample Lessons:
The "big" thing is, you need to "WOW" them and show that art is important. Do a lesson that pulls in other content in an obvious way so they SEE the value of hiring you. Here are some ideas...
Middle School & High School: Bring in a bucket of famous and inspirational quotes, I have many art quotes HERE, but they need not be specifically about art. Keep them simple so kids of your target level can understand them. Kids pick from the bucket and trade if they like, but have them illustrate the quote and include the quote in some creative way. At the end have them use cell phones (Or whatever the school might provide) to answer 3 questions about the author of the quotes: Who are they? Why are they important? What do you think the quote means? Administrators love to see writing, research, and a tech connection!
Elementary School & Middle School: Language arts. Make a list of 25 Chinese characters and their meanings in English. Have students draw the character in such a way as to SHOW it's meaning. Chineasy.org does this and may has some images that may be helpful for you like the one posted below. An extended version of this lesson is posted HERE. This could easily be done with other non-Latin based writing systems like Arabic, Indian, Korean, etc... Consider the population of the district you hope to work for and what programs they teach. If time is short, pre-print the characters on copy paper and have students illustrate the meaning ON top of the character.
The "big" thing is, you need to "WOW" them and show that art is important. Do a lesson that pulls in other content in an obvious way so they SEE the value of hiring you. Here are some ideas...
Middle School & High School: Bring in a bucket of famous and inspirational quotes, I have many art quotes HERE, but they need not be specifically about art. Keep them simple so kids of your target level can understand them. Kids pick from the bucket and trade if they like, but have them illustrate the quote and include the quote in some creative way. At the end have them use cell phones (Or whatever the school might provide) to answer 3 questions about the author of the quotes: Who are they? Why are they important? What do you think the quote means? Administrators love to see writing, research, and a tech connection!
Elementary School & Middle School: Language arts. Make a list of 25 Chinese characters and their meanings in English. Have students draw the character in such a way as to SHOW it's meaning. Chineasy.org does this and may has some images that may be helpful for you like the one posted below. An extended version of this lesson is posted HERE. This could easily be done with other non-Latin based writing systems like Arabic, Indian, Korean, etc... Consider the population of the district you hope to work for and what programs they teach. If time is short, pre-print the characters on copy paper and have students illustrate the meaning ON top of the character.
Image from Chineasy.org
High School: Videos and a Written Response:
Watch these 4 videos and have a poster available of a famous work of abstract expressionist work and students write a written argument on whether it is art or not using information provided in the video, They should highlight statements that were based on information within the videos they saw with a magic marker.
If time is short, pick one pro and one con video.
Video 1: When did this become art?
Video 2: What is Art?
Video 3: Why is modern art so bad?
Video 4: I could do that. PBS Digital
Video 4B: Another response.
Watch these 4 videos and have a poster available of a famous work of abstract expressionist work and students write a written argument on whether it is art or not using information provided in the video, They should highlight statements that were based on information within the videos they saw with a magic marker.
If time is short, pick one pro and one con video.
Video 1: When did this become art?
Video 2: What is Art?
Video 3: Why is modern art so bad?
Video 4: I could do that. PBS Digital
Video 4B: Another response.
Middle School: Perspective Lesson from the "Art On My Hands" Blog.
Intuitive Surrealism lesson for all ages HERE.
MORE 1 day short lessons HERE
Intuitive Surrealism lesson for all ages HERE.
MORE 1 day short lessons HERE
Observation Help:
I designed this a few years back and have used it for every observation. I just have it in my desk, laminated, top drawer, so if an administrator comes in, I am good to go.
Sometimes when I get observed I get a little nervous and make stupid little mistakes. (It was one such occasion that prompted me to make this list, so it would not happen again.) I just tick off items with a dry marker to help myself. I may not hit everything, but try to do all I can, and my observations have improved overall.
I designed this a few years back and have used it for every observation. I just have it in my desk, laminated, top drawer, so if an administrator comes in, I am good to go.
Sometimes when I get observed I get a little nervous and make stupid little mistakes. (It was one such occasion that prompted me to make this list, so it would not happen again.) I just tick off items with a dry marker to help myself. I may not hit everything, but try to do all I can, and my observations have improved overall.
| Observation Tool |
Looking for a Job?
Check your state's Department Of Education Website SEARCH HERE
K12 Job Spot
OLAS Jobs (On Line Application System)
International School Services (Teach Internationally)
School Spring
Private Schools
Christian School Placement
Check your state's Department Of Education Website SEARCH HERE
K12 Job Spot
OLAS Jobs (On Line Application System)
International School Services (Teach Internationally)
School Spring
Private Schools
Christian School Placement
Once you GET a job...
HERE's some advice for a first year teacher.
...plus my advice to keep that job ;-)
#1. Have rotating displays of art in whatever showcase is available AND in the library and other public space that will allow it. We often put a sculpture or two in the office.
#2. Post images of these displays on some social media platform that is approved by the school. Update it weekly so it's not too much. Make a habit of it on a certain day during school hours if possible.
#3. Send invitations to Admin and supervisor when you're doing something particularly cool in class. Not just for observations.
#4. TRY to partner with one other teacher of a DIFFERENT subject annually and do an art project on a theme they can help with, then display it. Like the biology teacher and doing a unit on Biomes/landscapes or maybe large models of bacteria or pollen.
#5. Find out when your school starts scheduling kids for their next year's classes. THAT WEEK should be an art exhibit or a big push to have your work everywhere. This will get kids to sign up. I do a video of kids having fun in art for our video system, maybe you have something else there.
#6. When you do a big art show, be sure each student gets a few invitations to send home for friends and family. Consider getting a rubber stamp to have them stamp the back of their invite when they attend. I give them a tiny bit of extra credit for attending, and the stamp is proof they came.
IF POSSIBLE, find out what your school's average SAT score was before you started. Then AFTER a year of art, see if you can find out how YOUR students scored. Research shows YOUR kids will score higher, this will ensure you have a job forever. (My kids were scoring 155 points higher on SATs because of my intercurricular approach. )
HERE's some advice for a first year teacher.
...plus my advice to keep that job ;-)
#1. Have rotating displays of art in whatever showcase is available AND in the library and other public space that will allow it. We often put a sculpture or two in the office.
#2. Post images of these displays on some social media platform that is approved by the school. Update it weekly so it's not too much. Make a habit of it on a certain day during school hours if possible.
#3. Send invitations to Admin and supervisor when you're doing something particularly cool in class. Not just for observations.
#4. TRY to partner with one other teacher of a DIFFERENT subject annually and do an art project on a theme they can help with, then display it. Like the biology teacher and doing a unit on Biomes/landscapes or maybe large models of bacteria or pollen.
#5. Find out when your school starts scheduling kids for their next year's classes. THAT WEEK should be an art exhibit or a big push to have your work everywhere. This will get kids to sign up. I do a video of kids having fun in art for our video system, maybe you have something else there.
#6. When you do a big art show, be sure each student gets a few invitations to send home for friends and family. Consider getting a rubber stamp to have them stamp the back of their invite when they attend. I give them a tiny bit of extra credit for attending, and the stamp is proof they came.
IF POSSIBLE, find out what your school's average SAT score was before you started. Then AFTER a year of art, see if you can find out how YOUR students scored. Research shows YOUR kids will score higher, this will ensure you have a job forever. (My kids were scoring 155 points higher on SATs because of my intercurricular approach. )
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If you are a new art teacher, this book, Art Ed Guru (Click the cover to see it on Amazon) might be just what you need to start off right. With over 30 years teaching experience, and over 200 full-color illustrations, the author walks you through the ins and outs of Choice-Based Art Education.
If you have an Amazon account, you can read the e-book version for free. |
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