I entered LaFollette while the school was already weeks into the 2018-2019 school year and had pretty much given up on the prospects of having an art professional in the building for the immediate future. I had to rebuild the art room environment back up from a place of neglect and I am still learning what it is like to operate with limited supplies. Beyond that, I am so new to this experience that I find new challenges every week. I realize these are the jitters and stumbles of someone still quite new to a job. But I think what takes it to a more serious level for me is knowing that new, or not, I am working with students each day. And despite my current short-comings, they deserve a quality art experience each week.
What I look forward to is having my bearings and knowing more of what to expect each week as I get deeper into teaching. More than that, I look forward to the possibility of being able to properly construct an art room with more supplies available, or easier to obtain so my students really can thrive.
HERE IS A GREAT WEBSITE FOR FINDING ARTISTS TO USE IN ART LESSONS:
https://www.artsy.net/artists
Lastly, here is a photo of me working with a bunch of awesome 3rd graders at Fratney School in late 2018. It was such a good experience and I loved seeing all the smiling faces. Nothing makes me a happier art teacher than seeing smiling faces.
