comments on guest speaker

I really enjoyed the guest speaker; I was interested in hearing about things to expect during the first and second year of teaching. I think that it’s great to have someone to help mentor you. I know how it feels to student teach and have a question that needs answered might as well be doing it all on your own. I think she gave a great handout that had information that I will read more into when I graduated. Teaching all day and then coming to class can take a lot out of you so I’m thankful for the handout to look at later. I’m so overwhelmed with information and graduation that I’m just focusing on graduating and working on my resume.

Questions I would ask a future employer
• Could you tell me about the other educators who would be working with me?
• What classes are offered in the school district for art?
• Are extracurricular assignments available for teachers interested and qualified?
• What professional development opportunities are offered to the staff

professional qualities of my dream job

I should first say that teaching in a classroom is a job that offers many rewards and helps me expand on my knowledge of art. But I would say that my dream job would be to run an open studio that would have spaces that people could rent out for their own use. We would all share the basic equipment and have an art community within. I would like to offer classes to students and adults to come and learn about things that they may not be able to learn in a regular classroom such as papermaking, jewelry making and graphic novels. I sometimes feel in a regular classroom theirs to many restrictions to what students can learn. This would be a place to learn and explore with the materials.

That being said some of the professional qualities, I would like in my dream job would be to have a great relationship with others in my studio and others in my community. Interaction with the group and outside within the community would need to be

I like to always be prepared for every lesson well before the lesson starts. I feel like I don’t get the respect from the classroom if I’m not prepared with all the materials for the lesson. This also applies to working in the studio, making sure that everything is in working condition, bills being paid and working with other artist. Its important to be honest and dependable working with others.

Communication is also an important part of this job. I want a community where everyone is open and encouraging when commenting on others work. I would like to get to know the people that I’m working with on a professional manner but also in a way that they feel like they can trust and depend on me for support if needed. I would always be compassionate and empathetic when responding to concerns and feelings. I will always be encouraging others do step a little further in their work. I think that flexibility is important when working on a project. I don’t like to have due dates, I feel that this limits you on your creativity. I would like to work with people to feel like they can work on an assignment till they feel that their done.

Commentary on guest speakers - something you learned & something you still would lik more clarification on.

I really enjoyed the guest speakers, I’ve meet them before and they have helped me answer a lot of questions. They are always peppy, professional and willing to help you with anything. I wish that I could be that way every day walking into the classroom. I’m definitely going to strive to be more peppy.
I felt like they presented a lot of helpful information even though I was familiar with some of the information. I was surprised to hear about the job opening in the middle of the year and the early retirement. This but a little bit of hope back into finding a job. Being married and not being able to really move, I knew that the job market has seemed almost nonexistent but maybe it’s not going to be so bad. I wish that I could have taken the opportunity to go abroad and teach. It sounds like such a wonderful opportunity. I really enjoyed that these guys really know about what’s going on in the Iowa schools, they didn’t generalize the whole United States when talking to us.
I thought that the authors had some really great advice when it came to interview questions. I guess I’m still not clear on is exactly what to bring to the interview. I know that I will have a copy of my resume but should I bring a computer just in case to show my eportfolio? Should I make a slideshow of images along with lesson plans to show the interviewers or should I bring in a few examples of work that the students did in my classroom.

A brief self-introduction.

Hello, I was born and raised in small town Iowa. I’m married to a wonderful husband and have a stepdaughter. My family means the world to me. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Art Education Degree and a BFA in printmaking. I always knew that I wanted to be an artist, from a very young age 1st grade to be exact. When kids were playing house I was the famous artist who lived in France. I remember wanting a beret because all artists lived in France and wore a beret. So I thought. My dad worked in a factory and he brought home rolls of paper and I would draw and color for hours going thru rolls of paper. My mom was so amazing and put my work up all over the house. I always loved learning about different types of art. My family was always buying me different art materials to experiment with. I had amazing teachers who helped me push myself to be a better person and artist. I knew then that I could be an artist but teaching art was what I was meant to do.

Thursday is my last day

I knew that this day would be difficult but I didn’t know how hard it would really be. I walked in to the classroom after frosting 75 cupcakes this morning and sitting there on my desk is a gift from my wonderful cooperating teacher. She had taken a group photo of me and one of my classes, and put it in a frame and had the students sign it. She also gave me the book “The Dot” I can’t remember the author off the top of my head but it’s a must have for any art teacher. This followed by a wonderful card, I was almost in tears.

I head down for morning breakfast duty and two sisters had brought me a potted plant with a cute card that said that they’re going to miss me. Another student wrote me such a wonderful letter, saying she was going to miss me and hoped that my high school students were nice to me. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to make it all day without a tear. But throughout the day and tons of hugs and I miss you I made it through the day. The only way I could pull off some of my students from hugging me to death was to promise that I would come back to sub in their classroom.

I will definitely miss the kids. Things will be different starting on Monday, no more “Hello, Mrs. Mass” a hundred times a day, knowing the students names, knowing the schedule and lessons. I’m excited and nervous all at the same time to start High School, I thought that High School was the age that I wanted to teach but maybe it’s not. I will enjoy being able to do more in depth, hands on projects with the students.

So far I’ve enjoyed teaching elementary students, but I would still like to teach secondary students.

I never thought of myself as an elementary art teacher, but I have a new appreciation for the elementary arts. I really enjoy working with the younger students. The projects seem so simple, but the students always seem to enjoy almost any project you do with them. I’m always on my feet running around answering questions, making sure directions are being followed and looking at their masterpieces. After this experience I could see myself as an elementary art teacher, but I still want to teach in the secondary classroom.

Saying goodby to your first placement

I gained a lot of experience and respect for elementary teachers, not just art, but all subjects. When students are having a bad day at least in specials I only have them for 40 min and then you get to change to a whole new group. When you’re the classroom teacher you have those kids the whole day and it can be very stressful. I never realized how busy some art teachers are during the day until I had my student teaching experience. When your classes are coming in as the other class is leaving it’s extremely important to be very organized and well prepared. Especially, when some classes are behind in some subjects, because there’s; fieldtrips, spirit rally’s and other functions. This isn’t my strongest point but I feel that I have gained some organizational skills that will be very valuable to my career when I start teaching. I have also learned a lot of techniques to keep kids on task.

I wasn’t very excited to start my student teaching in the elementary; I never wanted to teach elementary art so I didn’t feel that it was going to be the best experience. I was rather scared to teach kindergarten and first grade. BUT I will say after starting to teach I loved the elementary kids. For the most part the students still enjoy class and they always say hello in the hallways. They are so happy and carefree. I wasn’t for sure how much of some lessons students would get but they are such little sponges and retain a lot of information.

Now that time is getting closer an I have told the students that I will be leaving soon the students give me the puppy dog face and tell me they don’t want me to leave. The constant question asked is when are you coming back? Will you be back on (date) for my birthday? It makes me sad to think that my time is running out with them. I have gotten so close to some of the students that its going to be really hard to say goodbye.

What are some resources you can turn to for support in lesson planning ideas? people, places, websites?

Some places that I turn to for support when coming up with lesson plans would be other Art teachers or experiences I have had in the art classroom. I still remember the great art projects that I did in school. I took those ideas and made new lesson plans from them. I have gotten a lot of great ideas from my current cooperating teacher that I will definitely use in my classroom. I love seeing what other teachers are doing in their classroom there always full of inspiration and knowledge. My cooperating teacher has drawers full of lessons that she’s done with each grade. I like to read a book to the younger kids before a lesson, so I have also found inspiration in children’s books.

I think that the internet is chalk full of ideas to use. I have listed a few websites that I use to help share the knowledge. I also like to read other art teachers blogs. There’s not usually lesson plans but there are pictures of some great artwork. I like to take a simple idea and Google it and see what other people have done with the same idea in their classroom.
• www.teachkidsart.blogspot.com
• www.deepspacesparkle.blogspot.com
• www.princetonol.com
• www.crayola.com
• Dickblick.com
• www.hitentertainment.com/artattack/menu

There are lots of good books out there for ideas. My teacher has a vast assortment of books sitting on her shelves that I look at for inspiration. Here are just a few of the books that I have taken some lesson plans from.
• Dynamic Art Projects for Children by Denise M Logan
• Art Fun 69 exciting, original and easy to make projects kids will love to do.
• A Survival Guide for the elementary art teacher

Today the students got it...

This sounds like a silly comment but today I started a new project with my students. We’re starting a printmaking project and that’s my major so I was really excited to show them the stuff that I have done. This week I have tried to not yell as much to get their attention and just stay quiet till they quiet down. So in the middle of my demonstration for the fifth grade class there were the typical two boys who are always chatting and not listening. So I just stopped and waited, then half the students started yelling at the other two to be quiet because they wanted to see my stuff. I didn’t have to say a word. There was also a student who is usually pretty chatty in my classroom and one of the boys who was chatting tried to talk to him and he just said dude I want to see this talk to me later. I just had such a good moment hearing that. Did they act that good for the rest of the class, not really but they were better then they usually are.

i believe a succssful teacher is primarily a matter of....

someone who is passionate about what the teach and patience. I think that a teacher who is passionate about what they teach will radiate that on their students. If you love what you do your students will sense that and want to know more about what you’re teaching. I think to be successful you also need to have a lot of patience. Lessons may work with some students but others it won’t and you need to have patience with students who don’t always follow directions or are rowdy. I think it’s important to try to keep your cool and they will appreciate this. If you blow up from being stressed out you show your students a bad side of you. Chances are they’re not going to be as excited to come back to learn.

student teaching post 3

I think as a teacher there are rules that you should follow just as if the students should follow. I think if you as a teacher can stay positive and try to follow these rules then you can have a positive teaching experience.
1. As a teacher I think that it’s important to try to deal with disruptions with as little interruption as possible. When there is interruption it’s important to deal with the issue at hand immediately and with little interruption to the class. If a student is acting out when you’re giving directions make a gesture to that student or say there name and tell them we will talk when directions are done being given.
2. Fairness is extremely important. Students know when things are not equal. They know if you favor a student. Remember that if a student who is one of your best breaks the rule to punish them the same as you would your worst student.
3. Try to avoid confrontations in front of other students. It’s important for students to not “lose face” in front of other students. If you make the student feel belittled they may never come back and learn anything from you. They could have issues with you and the subject you teach from that point on.
4. I think it’s important to over plan your lessons. Students shouldn’t have time sitting and talking. So over plan your lessons so that your students always have something to do and you never run out of lessons.
5. Make your rules understandable. Try not to have a million rules. Have enough rules that students know what’s acceptable and appropriate. Make that if your rules are broken that there is clear consequences for the actions.
6. One of the most important rules as a teacher is to start fresh every day. If a student acted out the day before doesn’t mean that they should suffer the consequences the next day. Start each day with each student starting on green and being on equal ground as the rest.
7. Make sure to learn the student’s names as soon as you can. It’s important to the students to be called by their name. This makes them feel important.

Some of the rules that I see as important to have in your classroom for students would be.
1. Always be your best and do your best.
2. Respect others and the property of others.
3. Follow directions and instructions.
4. Bring what you need with you to class.
5. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
6. Raise your hand before you speak during a classroom lesson.
7. Listen quietly while others are speaking.
8. Complete all assignments neatly and on time.

student teaching post 2

Thinking back to the influential classes i have taken, teachers set clear and specific goals. Teachers would have signed seats and they would go over the rules the first day of class.Teachers made sure that all questions were answered and they made sure that if you don’t get the lesson that they would teach the lesson in a different way until students understood. Teachers made sure that students feel needed and wanted in the classroom. I view expectations and classroom community in my current placement is great. My teacher is really kind and understanding to each and every student. She greets the students and asks them questions about their day. She constantly walks around and makes sure that each student know what’s going on. She keeps in touch with the teachers and makes sure that they know what going on in her classroom.

student teaching post 1

What do you find most daunting about finishing student teaching and graduating from college?
I fear that all my preparation and hard work working to get to this point won’t necessarily get me a job. The job market is a scary place for teachers. Since I have a family it makes finding a job harder then someone who could just get up and move. I just hope that I will be able to find a job teaching within the next year or two. Writing lesson plans, doing homework, looking for a job and having a family life is a lot of work.
What was the pivotal event that made you decide to become a teacher and enter your teacher preparation program? Employers almost always ask a question similar to this.
The first day of kindergarten I knew I wanted to be an artist, when other kids wanted to play house and be mom I was the famous artist living in Paris. It didn’t hit me till I was in Junior high that I wanted to become a teacher. The only thing I ever felt I was really good at was art, so when everyone was telling me about the horrible art teacher, I was really worried. What was I going to do if she was horrible? I don’t have sports; I’m not smart, how I’m I going to find my place. Who knew that years later she would be one of the most influential people in my life? Junior high is a rough time in some people’s life because of all the changes that happen. She was the first person that made me feel good about myself and that she genuinely cared that I was there. She always pushed me to do better and work harder. She showed me compassion but still was stern. She helped push me to get good grades and I was on honor role till I graduated. She helped me get into art shows and meet people that would help me further my art. As the years went by it only made sense that I wanted to do art and I wanted to connect with students as she did with me.

In what ways will you wardrobe change during student teaching and as a teaching professional?
I feel that my wardrobe will change from semi causal to more sophisticated. Student teaching my wardrobe might be more fashionable and semi causal. When I move more into teaching professionally I feel that I will pay more attention to things as comfortable shoes, jewelry that won’t get in the way of working with art materials, etc. I will buy things that are more expensive and sophisticated but comfortable when I have a career, and when I can afford.

If you could add any article of clothing to your professional wardrobe, what would it be?
I would have to say a simple black dress. A would want a black dress that can be dressed up with the right jewelry, or dressed down by adding a sweater. In the professional world you need to have a wardrobe that can be constantly changing.

day 2 of student teaching

My first day of student teaching. I was so exhausted after the first day of teaching. I had thoughts of “Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life”. I know it was more of an overwhelmed feeling than anything else. Thank gosh for the 2nd grade class that finished my day. They were so behaved and well mannered, they reminded me why I’m doing what I’m doing. I also remind myself that I want to teach older children and I knew this was going to be a challenge for myself. As a teacher I know there are going to be some classes that are going to go better than others do. I really enjoy having breakfast duty because I get to know kids names better and get to talk to them outside of the art classroom.

Today I started my student teaching observing in a kindergarten classroom. I actually enjoyed the students they were so eager to learn and they were all so smart. I will have to say kindergarten teachers should get paid more than what they do. If you don’t believe me volunteer in their classroom for one day and you will understand what I mean. To be able to keep those little people’s attention and yet have them learn something new is a pretty hard job.

I’m really excited to start teaching in the classroom. I’m really nervous but excited. I know that I’m not going to be a perfect teacher and I know the more I teach the better I’m going to be. That’s why I chose to teach the fourth and fifth grade first. These guys are the closest to the age group that I would prefer to teach. We’re going to first start with a lesson using glue and pastels and then were going to work our way into printmaking. I hope that printmaking will go pretty smooth, it probably won’t but I can hope. I have a lot of knowledge and experience with printmaking so I hope that excitement will rub off on them.

Time is flying by so fast

I can’t believe that my husband and I have been married over 7 months. It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long. I guess we have been together for almost three years, time fly’s when you’re having fun. I was pretty excited to figure out how to add frames around pictures. I know this is old technology but I’m just figuring things out. It’s so weird that I used to be up to date and know how to do anything when it came to computers. now, I feel like I’m a grandma or something and I’m constantly asking questions to people who look at me like I’m an idiot for not knowing. My goal is to figure out more but I don’t really know how I’m going to do this maybe it will get a book or just keep playing.

trying to make my apt more like a home...

I have this tendency to start cleaning and end up doing something else. For instance I wanted to clean out our closet in our walkway and I found this roll of left over shelving paper. At first I really wanted to try to use it like wallpaper and cover the back wall in the kitchen. But........I didn’t have enough and it doesn’t stick as well as I would have liked so I thought why don’t I use it in the hallway. Since its temporary I didn’t use a stencil or anything and I just free handed some grass looking shapes. I really like it but I didn’t think that it was tall enough, so I thought I’m just going to throw some circles on there in two different shapes. I don’t know what it’s supposed to be but I think that it makes the wall between the grass and my picture on the wall works great. Maybe when we move into a house I will try something like this with a stencil and just use a clear glaze over top. It’s a cheaper version then vinyl at least for now.




I needed a quick fix for my jewelry that I wear all the time so I found this multi hook shelf at hobby lobby in the clearence for 4 dollars. I love it. So I had the honey drill a couple hole in the wall in the bathroom and hung it up(I could have dont it but I think he likes it when I ask him to help).



I wish that I would have had a before of this picture. It was a horible eagle picture that Jason had at his old house that he was going to get rid of but I told him to keep it because this is a great frame and that I would find something to do with it. Ta da. I just took some scapbook paper that I had and cut the bigger squares into 3 inch squares and the little one into 1 1/2 inch and so on. I think it looks really good for some scrapbook paper and tape( I will use mod podge later to seal it all) and hung it in the bathroom. I hate Looking at a white wall.

updated pics of jades new room

This is the paper chandelier that I made for jade. First I took 14 gauge wire that I had and bent it into a circle and clamped it together using something I found at Menards. I then took jewelry and hung wire down from the edges of the wire. I then used crimp beads to hook it around the wire ring. I then punched pink and brown circles in two different sizes and used a bright pink seed bead to use between the crimp bead and the paper. I poked holes in the middle of all of the circles; the seed beads come great so that the paper hole won’t slide over the crimp bead. There are two metal rings with paper hanging down them I connected them together with jewelry wire and crimp beads. I didn’t like the color of the wire so I wrapped it with the pink ribbon I had sitting around to go with the rest of her décor. I then used 3 white hooks and hung them from the ceiling it looks really cute and it didn’t cost that much to make.
2 dollars in paper
less than a dollars worth of crimp beads.
.99 for seed beads
5 dollars for the jewelry wire.
2 for the heavy duty wire.
it actually cost less because I had allot of this already at my house.



This is the new color on the dresser; I thought that I had gotten the same pink as I previously had bought and painted her dresser but come to find out this was darker then the first one so I had to paint over it once again. I like this pink better anyhow. I took off the old handles and added these new ones that look allot more modern then the old antique ones.

over the last few days.....

I have got the pictures up on the wall in the hallway. They have been sitting there for.......well wwwwaaaaaaay to long(pics later). I have repainted jades dresser in her room it’s now a brighter pink that what it was (pic above is the old pic).

I just bought new handles for her dresser because it was going to be a lot of work sandblasting the old ones and spray painting them. Since it’s so cold out and we don’t have a garage I figured I would just buy new ones since she didn’t like the old ones anyhow. The ones in the above picture are the old ones, when I have another coat of paint on I will show the final.

I also bought this multi hanger piece; it’s a piece of wood with beveled edges and 4 decorative wire hangers. I bought this in hopes to help me keep my necklaces all organized. I haven’t got all my necklaces up but I will. I just feel like I have been full of energy to get things done. I keep getting all these inspirations from other fellow bloggers.