Observation- February 24th

Today was my first day in the classroom, in which I spent observing a metals and ceramics class.  My cooperating teacher, Mrs. C, started her class with a review of how to solder.  This was information needed to be given to the students, but they some of the class lost their focus easily.  I think more of an interactive review, such as holding the students accountable for what they have learned previously by asking them questions would have kept them more engaged.  After the review, my cooperating teacher introduced me as Ms. Haakenson, which is still strange to hear, but the reality of becoming a professional is becoming more real each day.  Some of the issues I noticed in a metals class is some of the sexist roles that take place.  Many of the boys tried to act tough and impress the girls in the classroom with their soldering skills.  Even though the boys wanted to solder pieces for the girls, my cooperating teacher established that their would be no help given to the girls from the boys.  There was some complaining at first, but Mrs. C quickly stated that this was not negotiable and the arguing ceased.
I enjoyed working one-on-one with the students, some were not as eager to talk to me as others were, while some were enthusiastic and had many question of me to ask.  One boy in particular was very intrigued to hear about the college experience and asked me quite a few questions about my experiences with classes and the social life.  One question in particular that through me off guard was, "Is college any better than high school?"  It wasn't as much as the question that surprised me, but instead the look on his face of hopelessness.  His disheartened attitude about high school prompted me to ask him a few more questions about his hopes and dreams.  This boy was in hopes of pursuing a medical career but also taking art courses throughout his life, because he had a passion for art and it was the one thing in high school that he liked.

Bullied

Jamie Nabozny is a former gay student in Ashland, Wisconsin where he faced bullying everyday in middle school and high school. After he suffered through school, because district officials would not do anything to stop the bullying he sued the district for $900,000.  Now Jamie speaks out about his experiences to support a movement to eliminate bullying in our nation's schools. 
After viewing his documentary and him share his thoughts about the subject I gained useful information to apply in my future teaching practices.  Jamie outlined three important issues that need to take place in our schools and they are: Prevention, a Comprehensive Approach to Bullying, and a Societal and Big Picture View. 
With Prevention our children need to understand that our world is changing constantly and they can't fear the future, but instead celebrate diversity.  Also Empathy is a skill that should be taught to our students.  Sexism is a problem and a cause of the bullying, and in order to prevent bullying these views of gender stereotypes in our society need to be changed.
In understanding a Comprehensive Approach to Bullying school officials and teachers must turn directly to our students.  Kids are 100% sure of where and when bullying is happening, therefore they need to be bought into the problem.  Students should be using their ideas to eliminate bullies, but the adults need to allow the students the power to do so.  There are three things that Jamie outlined that teachers can do to stop bullying. One is ensure that your classroom is safe, which is directly related to your classroom management style. Two, take a stand against indirect harassment, such as stopping the use of the phrase "That's so gay." Third, use correct language when reporting bullying.  Be specific and use terminologies such as assaulted or harassed.
Lastly the big picture is to create an environment/society of acceptance.
This experience was very touching and made me more aware of what students face in our schools.  It was heart-wrenching to hear about the emotional and mental toll it takes on a person.  As a future educator in the public school system, I will take a stand to eliminate bullying and create an environment in my classroom that is accepting of all.  Like Jamie pointed out, we're not a better person by standing back and doing nothing.  We can't be neutral, because no child should have to go through what Jamie did.

Ann Oberding

Always keep an open-mind when considering elementary or secondary levels as you job search.
Art teachers wear all different kinds of hats. An art teacher must be able to bring knowledge of other subject areas other than art.
The word of advice from an experienced art educator to a beginner is To Be Flexible!
When working with differentiating students it is important to keep them with their group of peers. Be aware of sensory issues when you have a student with special needs in your classroom.  Also you may need to designate more one-on-one time with that particular student.

Thoughts-Peggy Larson

Take risks as an art teacher after the first few years.
Live in the moment and just roll with it.  Improvise when needed and be flexible as an educator.  Respect a students ideas and influences. Take action on students inputs.
Reward students now. They shouldn't have to wait 12 years for a diploma.  Make sure you are recognizing students efforts and dedication to art in school.
Advocate the arts and reach out to your community.
Everyone's decisions now impact the future of arts.
Incorporate contemporary art and don't become complacent with traditional lesson plans.
Have high expectations for your students and they will rise to the occasion.

The Choice Between Discipline-based Art Curriculum Or A Choice-based One

I would put a disciplined-based curriculum first, but I am open to a choice-based one.  I think that they both have variables that can benefit a classroom.  Within a choice-based classroom you would allow students more freedom.  I think it is important for students to have guidelines and follow directions during earlier years of youth and as they grow older allowing students more freedom.  D.B.A.E. provides a base in my lesson plans, but there is also room for other attributes within a curriculum.  It is important that I can evaluate that the students are learning from the lesson plans I am teaching, therefore a disciplined-based curriculum provides me with this.

Trends in Education To Which I Am Professionally Committed

I am committed to providing students with the best learning experience I can offer them.  I believe that there are many different options in providing a suitable education to each student, and there isn't one solution or one trend to solve every issues.  There are trends such as Response to Intervention (RTI) or Disciplined Based Art Education (DBAE) that I am familiar with and would incorporate when needed.

What Does it Mean to Be A Reflective Practitioner?

It is important to be a reflective practitioner in the educational field.  Part of the teaching experience involves the unknown and overcoming new obstacles with your student.  In each situation that I run into it is valuable to consider the causes and the outcomes of each circumstance.  After reviewing each circumstance and I must evaluate what could be done differently in the future.  There is always something to be learned and I will always strive to be better by improving myself as an educator.

What is more Important, Art or Teaching?

As an art educator, I believe that teaching must come first in the profession.  It is important to know the content area of art, but our students must be our priority.  Without these students, I wouldn't have a job. My passion is working with students and helping to prepare them for their future.

Do you need to be an artist to be an art teacher?
I believe that as a teacher it is essential to be an artist yourself.  Students will have more respect of a teacher if you are practicing what you preach.  If you are teaching skills then you need to be able to do them proficiently.