I am officially done with my first year of teaching! It is kind of surreal and hasn’t quite hit me yet. It will probably hit me full force when I am chillin’ at the pool this summer 😉

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This year was an amazing adventure and I learned so much about myself and my craft. I set some goals for next year and I am putting them here so that I can be held accountable. I think its important to continually improve and find new ways to excel myself and inspire others.

Inspiration at its finest:

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1. Provide more core curriculum support (now that I know what it looks like) 

By its very nature, my art curriculum integrates with and supports core curriculum (science, math, language arts, history). However, there are so many things I can add and emphasize that could really step it up. Now that I have seen and experienced some of the core stuff I will be able to use it and refer to it which ultimately will strengthen learning all around.

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2. Spend more time at the beginning of the year cultivating an environment of community, cooperation, and respect.
I was SO excited to jump right in this year. I meticulously planned out my lessons and my physical classroom environment. What I should have spent way more time on was classroom management. The most frustrating part of being a first year teacher was my lack of classroom management. I just didn’t have the experience and knowledge basis to pull from to be able to know what to do in certain situations. Next year I am going to slow down and take the time to turn my classroom into a community. I will do this by incorporating more collaborative activities and really emphasizing the idea of respect.

None of this:

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3. Be more involved. 
It killed me this year that I had to say “no” to a lot of things I was asked to help out with. I am definitely a team player but I had to know my limits when it came to extracurricular activities. It was important to me that I got my bearings, found my footing, and got the hang of it. Next year I want to have a presence at more events and show some school spirit. After all, I LOVE MIMOSA!

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4. Use data and rubrics.
I create rubrics for my lesson plans but I never use them. My excuse has always been “there isn’t enough time.” This is not going to fly next year; I have to show assessments in more ways not just for myself but for the administration and the students. It is absolutely astounding when kids ask “we get a grade in art?!” But who can really blame them because I have never actually shown them a grade so how would they even know. I will try out some different rubric formats; I briefly used one on a project this year where students graded themselves. That way, I can provide data and show student growth.

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5. Start an art club!
Kids are always in my room — they come to visit before and after school and even during lunch. Having an art club would provide a set time with a structured activity that could enhance and reinforce classroom learning. Logistically, there are several things to work out: when is held, who gets to attend, what we do, how many kids, etc. I already have a few ideas of activities and I know that many kids would love to be a part of something like this.

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Check out these awesome round tables:

It’s not that interesting of a sight but its whats in the boxes that counts! I have been jealously eyeing some of the other teacher’s magnificent round tables all year. My rectangle tables are bulky and awkward and round tables are so lovely. I asked my principal if I could please have some round tables and here they are in boxes brand new from the warehouse ready to be assembled. I have never in my life been so excited about tables I cannot wait to bust those bad boys out for next year!

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I am certainly looking forward to next school year but I am also thrilled about this summer, I have filled it up with plans of awesomeness including a trip to Israel, a Bahamas cruise with my best friends, and teaching clay camp at Johns Creek Arts Center. Stay tuned for more Art with Ms. K and have a safe, happy, and creative summer! 🙂