How do you assess student artwork?

I feel like student assessment is something that is constantly evolving. Depending on the context and project variables, assessment is continuously. This process can be broken down into formative and summative assessment that can vary between asking questions after a demonstration, to grading students based upon a rubric on their final work. I think it is crucial to have this be an endless process, including both types of assessment. Effort, Completion, Use of class time, Objectives and Attitude are all points of interest that I assess my students on. In middle and high school, I like to hang up a final rubric in the classroom, so the students can reference it and assure they meet all of the objectives of the project. Another type of assessment that I believe is important at the middle to high school level is self-assessment. I typically have my students fill out a self-assessment rubric to see how they feel they did on the project. Completion of this rubric is also factored into their grade. At the elementary level assessment is treated differently. I do not have my elementary students fill out self-assessment rubrics. Verbal assessment works best with younger students to see what they learned and retained. Effort, Attitude, use of class time, and cleanup are attributes I seek when assessing my students at the elementary level.

Being an art teacher, what is more important to you, art or teaching?

I believe that it is important to be a well-rounded artist in order to effectively teach art but it is essentially more important to be an effective teacher in the classroom. Being an art teacher means putting your students before your needs and desires, as their education is ultimately superior. I also think it is very important to have an art background in order to teach art. Without this background and knowledge it is hard to effectively teach a classroom especially at the high school level and even higher education. With this practice I believe you are able to persevere and push students to the next level to creation, ideation and achievement.

What is a first day like in your classroom?

The first day of school is a fresh beginning to the upcoming school year. I think it is essential to keep things relatively light on this day. I would go over classroom expectations, procedures, etiquette and rules about being in my classroom in order for us all to have a great school year. Depending on the grade levels that I would be impacting, these regulations would be variable to best fit the needs of my students. I think it would also be a good idea to give a “tour” of the classroom so they can become familiar with their surroundings. The first day could easily entail a small activity that would get the kids familiar with what a typical day would be like in my classroom. This would also give me a good idea to what type of level the students are at creatively.

Thoughts, Emotions and Reflections on becoming an Art Educator

Although being referred to as “Miss Victoria” is new to me, I have learned in a short amount of time that being an educator is more than just teaching, it is about making a difference. Making a difference in someone’s life is a feeling that is difficult to put into words. I have learned that it takes a strong mentality to be there for each student on an individual level. For example, supporting the student through learning something new, for a small talk, to reward them of their victories, and as a mentor. Being an art teacher is very rewarding. Watching your students develop and learn new material is also very fulfilling. In all honesty, I can never find the right combination of words to sum up how it truly feels to see this type of learning occur in the classroom. It is one of those things that you have to experience first-hand; when you see the light bulb click, creative expression is able to blossom. It is a life altering experience. I am anxious and nervous but also excited to see where this journey of being an art educator leads me. I think I am most thrilled to see what the students will teach me; that is the true beauty of being a teacher.  Not only do I get the opportunity to make a lasting impression and difference in their lives, but they will also make one in mine.