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Interest [Group]

High School Art Teachers

Started on Oct 03, 2011 by Astabeth
Last post on Mar 24, 2014

This is a place for high school art teachers to share ideas, ask questions, and network!

16 Keeps, 6 Likes, 14 Comments

  • Astabeth 10/03/2011 at 03:51pm
    Any other high school teachers out there?



  • msleaney 10/03/2011 at 11:32pm
    Yes, I teach in a high school in Sydney's Northern Beaches. I am in my third year, 1st year full time. Am seeking to continually develop my practice via communication with other art teachers.


  • bellafiore3 10/13/2011 at 02:07am
    Hi Jeanne Bjork from Pewaukee HS in WI. Teaching full time art both studio based and digital classes in a mac lab.
    I am the department chair and also do Art Club.

    Hoping to find out how you all keep up with all the non-teaching stuff the art teacher and art students get asked to do. Does this happen in your school?


  • akbodine 10/16/2011 at 03:41pm
    Hi bellafiore3, this happens to me ALL THE TIME. I just make sure I have a week of unplanned time saved up into each semester when I do my long term plan for the year. This way, when I find out I have to make all the decorations for the homecoming dance a week before, I can have students help and not disrupt my plans for the year. It is still frustrating, but I do not have the long-term panic I had last year.


  • artwyoming 03/21/2012 at 07:05am
    Northwestern Wyoming, teach 6-12 fulltime. Lots of requests to do anything from whipping up a quick t-shirt design, making banners, etc. I am now saying NO, because I am done having those little jobs dumped on me. I have my own job.


  • DaliCat 03/22/2012 at 05:41pm
    I'm teaching high school photography right now at my old high school! I'm subbing for another teacher now but hoping to land something permanent soon!


  • Astabeth 03/26/2012 at 04:58pm
    Artwyoming, when I get a request, I tell them I'm swamped but I would be happy to pass the request to the students if they would like me to. If they want something better than student work, they can pay someone to do it. Most of the time even my students are too busy!


  • cmbmorgan 08/07/2012 at 04:53pm
    That's because we are the heART of the school!


  • Jenncook678 08/11/2012 at 05:24am
    I can usually handle the requests to make something small. But as a beginning teacher, I am having difficulty saying NO to people wanting to "borrow" my supplies.
    I just keep hoping that as time passes and I become a part of the experienced staff I'll have more guts to stand up for myself.


  • Craftybunn 08/12/2012 at 02:57pm
    High School!! WooHoo!

    Cmbmorgan, ILOVE that!

    Jenncook678, that is a tough one. I had that problem at my first school. It seems to depend on the school and who came before you and what they allowed. If the other teachers are used to taking from you then they will, if you allow it. My advise would be to continue to allow the borrowing but to have a discussion with your principal when it comes time to order new supplies. Don't approach it as complaining. Just ask her what she/he wants you to do. Should you order enough supplies to accomodate those teachers or should they be allowed to order their own class set of markers, colored pencils, etc.?

    As far as the extra curricular requests, I think we all have to do our part and contribute where we can. Usually when I get a request for said t-shirt or banner, they do ask that I find a student to do it. This is where I probably take the opposite approach than most. I would rather do it myself than pull my students from what they are doing. After all, there is a curriculum and assignments to be done.


  • RookieTeacher 09/06/2012 at 06:35pm
    First year middle and high school teacher! And completely lost!!!! Any good curriculum resources out there? I am 15 years removed from my undergraduate work in art school and decided to go into teaching in the past year. Little did I know how little I know and how much I have forgotten!!!!


  • mediabeth 03/22/2014 at 06:22am
    I'm a first year HS teacher as well. The year has been very challenging, but I do love it. It would be great to connect with other high school teachers.


  • Monty15 03/24/2014 at 03:07am
    I am in my fifth year teaching. Four years in high school.
    Career change, originally from Detroit, MI. Now in northern Nevada.Would really be happy to network here. Thanks! I do pottery, jewelry, drawing & painting, graphic design. I apparently eat a lot-(have a lot on my plate).