Learning: The 1st Year Perspective

My first day in my new classroom was one of the most exciting days I remember.  I spent the whole week prior climbing ladders to hang posters on the walls, visiting the copy machine for worksheets, making project examples, planning seating charts, and so much more.  I was on cloud nine and knew I could change the world with my passion for the arts. 

Reality had struck as to how unprepared I was for the reality of a K-6 classroom in a very culturally mixed neighborhood.  First, I had three schools to balance.  I had one classroom and two schools on a cart. Second, I assumed that I could work 100% effectively with my co-workers right away…forgetting that miscommunication and forgetful messages can happen periodically.  I had an excellent education in graduate school, but nothing prepares you for the real classroom until you experience it first hand.  It’s especially a challenge when you discover you’re going to be a first time parent within the first year of teaching!

 

Batik Project for Art Club

There is so much that happens within the first year of teaching, and as we focus on the goal of learning, we know that it is common to learn and grow from our self reflections.  Your road to success is not paved smoothly!

Air-Dry Clay Coil Pot Project

There are many options available to assist first year teachers in their professional development and personal growth.  Certain options may be available and required of your district already. 

Mentorship Programs. My school district requires all first and second year teachers to participate in a mentorship program.  The new teachers were paired with veteran teachers to help ease the transition into the schools and policies.  Throughout my first year in the Mentorship program, we would participate in group discussions concerning student learning in the classroom and other items that would help promote growth and refine one’s teaching styles.  Check to see if your district offers a similar program, and if not…it doesn’t hurt to ask fellow art teachers for some friendly advice!

Attend State and National Conferences.  Many states offer presentations centered for first year teachers, and I know that the NAEA conference always offers presentations centered around first year teaching.  It never hurts to contact your Art Education organizations and ask what would be available for you!  

Attend Professional Development Seminars.  Your workplace may have workshops designed for you to grow in your teaching styles and classroom management.  It is always a good idea to participate and take notes when classes are offered to you. Create your artwork examples throughout the year.  I am guilty of trying to complete all my examples as soon as I could!  Many times during the school year, I would refine an idea or make a completely new project to share with my students.  

Reflect on Your Lesson Plans.  Not all lesson plans will turn out 100% perfect!!!!  You may discover that something doesn’t work with one class, so you refine it with another to see if it improves.  I try my best to take notes on what worked and didn’t work in each lesson.  

Participate in Your NAEA Division’s Online Forums.  Maybe you’re starting out in high school…you can participate with the secondary division forum.  There are plenty of educators willing to help you with any questions or ideas you may have.  It’s also a great way to create friends within your community!  To find your division’s resources, visit the board of director’s page at http://www.arteducators.org/board!

Communicate with your colleagues.  You may not be the only first year teacher in your school!  In many cases, you are expected to perform that tasks given to you starting on the first day of school, and you may not know everything going on.  Don’t be afraid to ask a fellow peer for some assistance or advice! 

According to Wong (1998), an effective teacher has a goal of striving for excellence.  You will not be top notch perfect in your first year, and you most likely be refining your techniques each year after.  Your career is a never ending cycle of self reflection and refinement.  Educators are always seeking knowledge in their field to help themselves and their students grow.  Just remember to try your best to stay positive and focused with your passion for the arts.

-Heidi O’Hanley

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Wong. H. (1998). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher. Mountain View, Ca:
Harry K. Wong Publications