Becoming an Art Teacher

I studied Formation Art in college. At one point, I was on track to have a degree in Art Education but quickly changed to a Studio degree when I saw all the "philosophy" classes I would have to take in lei of actual art.

Teaching is in my blood, I guess you can say. Maybe it's the "bossy older sister" coming out or my desire to see things done and people taught right. Mostly it's my Dad's influence and the constant model he has been, not only in his professional life but as a user of "teachable moments"



I remember as a little kid, telling some others that I was going to be a teacher when I grew up. They mockingly laughed and said that's what all little girls say they want to be. I was infuriated, and determined to show anyone that it wasn't just kid talk.

My dream of teaching took a back road for awhile. The thought was always there and the opportunities came with my siblings and church classes. But as a career, I was a little worried of the commitment.

When China opened up, I jumped at the chance. I'd be teaching. I knew I could do that. And I'd be overseas. I knew I wanted to do that.

I loved teaching. I loved planning and scheming ways to get my students interaction. I loved the adrenaline rush I got right before walking in front of a classroom for my "performance". I loved the joy I felt when I could see a student get something and watch their progress. I loved the connection I gained with individuals who where putting themselves vulnerably into my hands and my classroom.

This last year, I convinced my boss to allow me to teach an art class along side my secretarial duties. He made me poll the students and find out who would be interested. I wrote up a report of those that wanted to take it, those who qualified and how the schedule could be adjusted. After warnings of making the class "intellectual" and not just "activity" (duh), I finally had my dream.

The minute I started teaching art, I knew I had found my niche. I loved it. I researched and planned and prepared and studied and lay awake at night dreaming of projects. Everything I loved about teaching English in China was ten-fold in my art class because now I was not only teaching but teaching MY subject.

Last week, I visited with the art teacher whose position I will be filling. As I tried to calm my anxiety over the amount of organizing I would need to do in order to make the place functional, I listened to him tell me about my new students and the projects he had them do each year. I quickly learned our philosophies of art education are as different as night and day. And while it's daunting to think of walking into a teaching position knowing that you will be something people are not used to, the thrill of excitement is starting to come and I look forward to that first day when my fear of inadequacy will be squelched by the rush of adrenaline and the joy of knowing I'm right where I'm supposed to be.