Spring Art Teachers Trust Process of Growth!

Presenting to a room full of art teachers is an invigorating experience. Twenty Spring ISD art teachers gathered at Spring High School to explore possibilities for each of their classrooms in the upcoming 2008-2009 school year. Discussions were facilitated by myself, Joan Maresh Hansen, a newly retired art and technology instructor. 

Opportunities like this are so appreciated and are truly rich among a room full of master teachers.

Discussions in the short amount of time included the significance of class room management strategies. We all know we can have the best lesson in the world and if nobody can hear you, what's the point? You must encourage students to be respectful listeners in order for learning to take place. Whether it is late arrival to class, reading aloud, bringing in guest speakers, distributing materials, or collecting them at the end of class. What I call "systems" should be put in place with each varied activity. These guidelines or expectations communicated clearly to the students are called,"ground rules."Taking time at the beginning of the year, focusing on this until it is clearly in place teaches students to be good citizens among the community of learners in your class room. Ask any veteran teacher, moving away from this important topic too quickly can have dire circumstances and may need to be revisited.

Samples of student work lined a wall which sparked lively discussions for trying old things in new and innovative ways. Sequencial steps were evidenced in concepts which through repetition were gradually improved upon. Time was spent in small groups to discuss ideas that could be implemented in their class rooms. Others took time to get their hands on some materials to try these new ideas. Extended opportunities beyond the class room were offered in sketchbook/journal and altered book assignments. These ideas and many more were left in the hands of the participants in 56 page The Art Work Book Bootcamp Training Manual.

Heartfelt stories were shared of the teachings of Corina Kent in the book about her teaching life,"Learning By Heart,"where she talks about her teacher, videographer, Charles Eames. She says his teaching still lives in me and we must remember we are each others SOURCE. Good teaching impacts lives for years to come. Good teaching is learned and takes time in years of reflective practice. John Holt says, "We learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way." 

Murphy's Law showed up in technological challenges, and because of the wisdom from the crowd, we rearranged the group and "fishbowled" around my laptop to watch presentations of student work including AP portfolios with student dialogue. Brad's concentration statement, "It is as though my soul is dancing on the surface of my work, made more vibrant with each stroke."

Learning is like that dance,three hours passed quickly. The "popcorn shares" indicated that this very enthusiastic group of educators are eager to take what they gained back to their class rooms to make magic happen. Being among teachers is something that I love and although a shorter time than most, it is clear that Spring ISD art students are fortunate to have these educators committed to their lives. Our next encounter will be even more promising.

Special thanks to Kim Abshere and Cathy Lovett who informed District Coordinator, Rick Ghinelli of The Staff Development with an Art-itude opportunity. Thanks Kathleen Wicker for your assistance. Thanks to our hostess, Myrtie Porter for opening up her Spring High School art room, Shea Ngyyen for taking videos, and Gene for his technical savvy in getting things working. Opening school and keeping it running smoothly every day is a truly challenging and sometimes daunting task. We must remember to allow ourselves time to grow and relax into the learning. "It takes time for nature to change things into what they're becoming, it takes time for things to develop. Be patient with yourself and your life.Trust the Process of Growth."

A reminder to visit my other virtual art rooms for additional resources of student work, lesson plans and more and if you like what you see, tell others and if you need something else, tell me.

 Visit: Art Work on the Web, My Virtual Art Room,  Art Work Book Series at: Flickr,Carver Crew at: Flickr, YouTube, over 800 pieces of student work at Artsonia, and stay tuned for more to come. Please comment on this BLOG! It would be great hearing from each of you. Thanks!