Ive been an art teacher in a private school for 27 years. I had an art assistant for the first 23. It was wonderful. Then I was on my own with 12-18 kids grades pre-k to 3 with sporadic inadequate help scattered about for just prek & k, not art oriented, nor interested people-thrown in as a duty. Class management, and keeping things simple were the new goals and creative in-depth art projects were on hold. I taught as I watched all that I built as a thriving art program crumble to baseline. The children thrived with me more on zoom, since management was off the table and I could be creative again as I worked to meet their needs at home. I got accolades from parents. When back at school with same one teacher model- It all became paired down again. Near retirement, I chose to demote myself in hours and pay to an after school art position where I can be creative once again . Other teachers have assistants/co teachers in our school and many others, but not specialists ( art, music, etc) My wish for the future generations of specialists is to be seen equally in this profession.
Teachers Want to Quit Because They’re Unhappy and Unfulfilled. Here’s One Fix
Ive been an art teacher in a private school for 27 years. I had an art assistant for the first 23. It was wonderful. Then I was on my own with 12-18 kids grades pre-k to 3 with sporadic inadequate help scattered about for just prek & k, not art oriented, nor interested people-thrown in as a duty. Class management, and keeping things simple were the new goals and creative in-depth art projects were on hold. I taught as I watched all that I built as a thriving art program crumble to baseline. The children thrived with me more on zoom, since management was off the table and I could be creative again as I worked to meet their needs at home. I got accolades from parents. When back at school with same one teacher model- It all became paired down again. Near retirement, I chose to demote myself in hours and pay to an after school art position where I can be creative once again . Other teachers have assistants/co teachers in our school and many others, but not specialists ( art, music, etc) My wish for the future generations of specialists is to be seen equally in this profession.
Such a great idea and you're spot on, again, Michael!