Teacher Talks- Becky Marine and Shanna McMullin

On Thursday October 9^th, two speakers came into our classroom. Ms. Becky Marine, who now works for the University of Wisconsin- Stout in special education and Ms. Shanna McMullin who works with at risk students for alternative education. Becky talked a lot about how the individuals she works with are students who are no different than anyone else. It is essential for people to understand this, as they are students who have equal rights to be in the general education setting as inclusion in the school systems in essential. She mentioned that people should never look down, and make accommodations for students with disabilities, as teachers must hold high, but reasonable, standards and expectations for the students. I think this is very important, as getting to know your students will help you to be able to assess your students best. She also talked about how many of them express themselves best through art, as art teachers have an impactful influence on these students and in their IEP meetings as they frequently express themselves best through art. They both agreed that they fulfilled roles that made themselves an advocate for their students.  Shanna works with at risk youth as she described her classroom as a home environment for her students. The majority of them do not have a secure home environment, as her classroom fulfills that void in their lives. She created a program implemented in the school system for students who are failing school, and do not have a cognitive or physical disability. She mentioned that when students act out and get mad, most of the time it has to do with an outside source, as students struggle with various situations in and outside of school. Students who are involved in her program are allowed to leave their standard classroom when they are upset or need to talk about something as they work through the situation and move past it so they can continue with their day and be productive. She asks the students, “Are you going to be a victim of your situation, or over come it?”. Both of the speakers had some very good points; when students are given an opportunity to find success, they will succeed. There is nothing wrong with being wrong, or not knowing, as we need to be better than our egos and admit when you are wrong as students respect that. Overall, they both were very good information and perspective speakers.  

How do you differentiate instruction for diverse learners?

It is essential to know the needs of your learners. Every student learns differently, as it is important to know their own specific learning needs. Getting to know the students and how they learn differently can help with classroom efficiency and effectiveness. I think it is critical to know that all of your students are diverse, not just students who have a cognitive or physical disability. Students range in terms of behavior, personalities, their learning styles and needs and come from various types of backgrounds and home lives. Some students learn through visual ques, as others learn through auditory and kinesthetic practices. By differentiating instruction and assessment you can best reach various types of learners in your classroom.

Teacher Talks- Peggy Larson and Ann Oberding

On Thursday October 2nd, a local art educator named Peggy Larson, came and talked to our class. She teaches K-5 grade at one of our local elementary schools in Menomonie. Teaching elementary art is not just about teaching art, it is about teaching social and life skills, organizational skills, cultural awareness, cross disciplines and creativity problem solving. This is very important to remember because I think that is something all of us sometimes take for granite, since we already know these “basic” skills. Classroom management was something she talked rigorously about as having a responsive classroom environment is essential for educated learning. Managing your classroom is a technique where you have to address social issues about the classroom too. This includes addressing behaviors before learning, without these behaviors addressed, the classroom will not be productive and ready to learn. This is a technique that Peggy has used in her classroom for over 20 years.  Peggy also talked about PBIS and how it is important to have goals for these students involved in the PBIS program. This Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports program is something that is new to the elementary school as it took a lot of time to teach the students how the system works. Overall Peggy seemed to believe in the program as it is set up for achievement amongst the students. Lastly, she talked about teacher effectiveness and how there are various attributes that come with being an effective teacher, this includes; professional knowledge, instructional planning and delivery, assessment of and for learning, learning environment and professionalism. All of which are important to consider and obey by in order to become the best teacher you can be. 

On Thursday September 25^th, a teacher by the name of Ann came into our classroom to discuss her knowledge on art education and how to be an effective art educator. One of the first things Ann mentioned to us, is how to laugh at ourselves, without being able to laugh at our mistakes we will go insane. It was simply stated, but yet so true. By laughing at our mistakes we can keep the classroom fresh and keep things rolling instead of getting worn down. She also talked about being prepared and how to expect the unexpected. Having an art classroom can be very hectic at times and stressful in terms of curriculum, standards and academic achievement amongst your students. Ann mentioned taking care of us first, and finding time for ourselves to keep our sanity in order to feel good. Practicing yoga is something she does to keep her stress down. She alliterated the idea of finding something to do after school to let go. She talked about having a positive nature and how you need to keep that in your practice and also in your everyday life. This also entails greeting your students at the door. By greeting your students at the door with a smile and enthusiasm, it will get them excited to learn but also lets them know that you are equally as excited for them to be in your classroom. This is also a way to connect with your students, as some of your students might have a “not so good” at home life. By keeping a positive attitude, and connecting with your students, your classroom can be a place where they can feel welcomed and feel like they deserve to be here, and excel academically and emotionally through art. Getting to know your students is something else Ann talked about, as meeting the needs of your students individually is our job! Establishing a community in the classroom is important, this is something I also believe in. I grew up in an art classroom where we all worked together yet individually on projects. We were a community of artists and designers; this classroom atmosphere I think allowed us all to excel in and outside the art room. I want to achieve this community in my classroom too, as I believe that it is extremely important as you reflect upon yourself, the community and the world. Lastly, Ann talked about surrounding ourselves with people we love and with people who love you. This will help with the stress! Ann had a lot of personal advise that was awesome and very helpful. You can tell from her speaking/ teaching style that her art classroom would be awesome. I hope I can be as intelligent and influential as Ann is in the classroom someday.