Reflective Take on Secondary Education

During this past semester, I have had many new experiences that have affirmed that I want to work with high school students. I think that it is a challenge to work with high school students, but it is a challenge that is welcomed in my book. I think that working with high school students is a way to keep you on your toes, as while you will hold them accountable for work, they will also hold you accountable for yours. I was surprised how after a little push and effort the students opened up. I was surprised to have a student try to put me in my place infront of her peers, and I was surprised that I innately new how to handle the situation. You can only read about that so many times, but when you are put on the spot you don't necessarily respond the right way. I was surprised that my initial reaction was to stay calm and show her the evidence of what was being argued.
This past semester only leaves me anticipating the next time I get to work in a classroom. I enjoy it a great deal and know that I am on the right path for myself. I enjoyed sharing my excitement and enthusiasm for art, and am looking forward to making my career out of this.
As I go on with Art Education, I look forward to expanding the types of projects I will have my students explore. I believe in self expression through art as a way to keep students engaged and excited about what is happening in the world through art, and hope to incorporate some sort of projects in sculpture, clay, mixed media, drawing, painting, etc. I believe in completing the projects you assign ahead of time in order to understand what you are holding you students accountable for. By doing this I will also stay fresh when it comes to art work and I will be able to better help the students when problems arise. Speaking of creating artwork, several art teachers that I have talked to this semester encourage creating your own work within the classroom. I think that I will do this as a way to show students a little bit about me and that this is not just something that I care about from the hours of 8am to 5pm. This is something that I am truly passionate about and that is why I am going to a profession that art is such a dominant part of. I want my students to be able to understand that you can go into the world seeking a profession that doesn't feel like a job because of how much you love what it consists of.