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A Working Classroom Teacher?
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Kevin Bibo
Kevin Bibo teaches high school computer multimedia in Southern California. He holds a Master of Education degree and is currently a teacher credential program instructor. In addition, Kevin is the author of Cal Teacher Blog. But most importantly Kevin loves spending time with his wife and five children.
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Kevin Bibo
I find it interesting that the articles I have written that include “easy steps” or begin with “How to…” in their titles get more traffic and comments while other articles focused on the deeper meanings and motivations of teaching get less. Nothing can replace working out your own classroom issues on your own. No book, website, conference, or class can give you experience; and experience is the superior teacher. It’s equally true that some are born teachers, some made to teach, and others have no place in the classroom influencing children. I have no idea what category you as a teacher may fall into here, but you do. I have discovered that I’m no mechanic so I no longer tinker with my automobile. I won’t even change my own oil anymore. I take my truck (of course I drive a truck) to a professional and long-time friend. I know enough to know that I don’t have the talent or the aptitude to work on engines and such. The idea of me working in an automobile repair shop is as absurd as my dear mechanic friend stepping into the classroom to teach. Unfortunately, many people who are not teachers believe that they do possess the skill sets required by the classroom.
The process of discovery is important for teachers. We ask our kids to discover or learn something new everyday. When was the last time you made the same progress within your subject or area of specialty? I was told by a veteran art teacher once that teachers who teach any type of art need to create art alongside their students. Not only that, but that there is real value in teaching something for the first time as the teacher is forced to learn right alongside their students. Excellent advice. Unfortunately, once I discover something that works, I tend to stick with it. It’s a logical choice. But teachers who go too long without changing, adapting, and improving lose their relevance and their grip on the imaginations of their students. I believe this is one of the reasons why some state’s salary schedules are tied to the number of units the teachers take through the passage of years. The more new stuff teachers learn the more they can teach to students.
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dmarussell
about 1 year ago
10 comments
Some good advice! As an art teacher in public schools for 9 years, I cannot agree more about creating art alongside the students and keeping it fresh with new ideas. I purposely went to the middle school after 7 years of elementary-just to challenge myself. Boy oh boy, I did not realize the challenge it would be!! I loved it though, for 2 years, then sad to say they cut ART. Now I am really challenging myself for I am in the midst of schooling once again (I already hold a B.F.A./B.S. in art ed, and a Masters of Art ed) this time for special education (learning disabilities). I still create my own art and have created a mural painting project for the young at our local skatepark. I do hold on to hope that one day I will be teaching art in the classroom once again (I miss terribly) in the meantime (and future) I will use the knowledge of art and spec. ed. to further my teaching of any student.
By the way, the comment about administration walking in for 5 min. and leaving a report, it is totally the same thing for special ed. classrooms too. Donna Russell
Marthalany
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Thanks for the interesting and informative article. It is very encouraging (and at the same time daunting) to hear that teaching is a perpetual challenge, pushing us to grow and learn.
Thurmond
about 1 year ago
506 comments
I really enjoyed that it took me awhile to read because Im scared of the job I don't wanna teach. I just want to study and learn creatively. your story is great as my teachers are current and our school holds a workshop during the semester for art teachers in the public school system.
sanjoe
about 1 year ago
5924 comments
Super article, and I hope you give some good threads to the art teachers/professors group to chew on . We need all art teachers and you would be a good one who has been at it for a time to help and discuss things of interest to the newbies who step into an art room for the first time ,or think artists who think about a career change.
petrehn
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I have had many years working professionally as a artist/graphic designer, and am at present discouraged because I had found out that I needed several hours of Math & algebra, some sciences, biology, plus other prerequisites necessary before i could even get into an educational program, as I wanted to teach art. Well, I took a years worth of classes that I felt I could handle, I'm 55 years old now, and I have to take more math & physical science with a lab, which I had to drop last semester because I couldn't cut it, I am so discouraged, because I just wanted to teach, & all this prerequisite stuff is for the birds. I am wasting my time taking classes that have nothing to do with my skills & past experience. It is too much. Plus, I must make a living. I have spent so much of my own money this past year, and I feel I have not even gotten off the ground. I suppose I am just down right depresses about it. I thought that teaching art would be perfect for me, but not if I have to go through all of this. I got burnt out in the corporate industry of graphic design, because the pressures of deadline these past ten years had me running in circles, and it became less & less rewarding to me, working in a little cubicle, staring into a computer all day. What are your comments on this? Cindy
jbarsons
about 1 year ago
4 comments
I really enjoyed this article. I just completed my first year teaching elementary art. It was challenging (but whats not) and I loved it. I am always looking for veteran teachers to learn from and take away bits of knowledge that will help me grow as a teacher. And I completely agree with the admin's observing for 5-10 mins and judging you! Well, again, it was a great article that I really enjoyed reading.
svetlana741
about 1 year ago
726 comments
ax being a teacher is the hardest thing , i used to volunteer at this childrens place, didnt go so well. so i give thumbs up for those who try to teach and accomplish em.