Back in the Classroom

2016 was a year of trial and error. After a string of exciting and diverse career opportunities and a false start down my final path toward completing my educational goals, I've rejoined the rodeo and gone back into the classroom. This time teaching elementary art. (I taught middle and high school before.) I've been back in the saddle since July and would like to begin documenting and sharing the experience.

My teaching philosophy and practice has been significantly changed in the time between the art rooms. While I am not always successful in structuring the ideal lesson or creating the perfect classroom climate, I am regularly reflecting on what each of those are and how I can improve.

The primary difference between my old teaching practice and now is

I mean, I got more education (with an Master of Art in Art History) and worked very closely with the history of the Civil Rights Movement (as Education Coordinator and Interim Director of Education, Interpretation, and Collections at the National Civil Rights Museum). My network expanded and diversified. I messed up a lot. I did a lot of things okay. I got some things right. I grew.

And now I see it as my duty to share and to help others grow.

I'll still mess up a lot, do a lot of things okay and get some things right. We're on this journey together.

(elementary) (art) Teachers should be woke.

Let's do this.