True Life: I'm a Student Teacher
(The Book)
By: Alison Bongiorno
As my first student teaching placement for art comes to an end, I feel it appropriate to reflect from start to finish. In the pages following, I will attempt to tell the (abbreviated) story of my time at the Pittsburgh Gifted Center, with cooperating teacher Cynthia Blackwell.
The First Day
Upon arriving at PGC (Pittsburgh Gifted Center), I was greeted by the fabulous principle, Dr. Minsinger, and my every cheerful co-op, Cynthia Blackwell. I was welcomed with open arms, and shown my own personal locker space, complete with multiple aprons!
I was introduced to all of my students, and was encouraged to jump right in and help with one-on-one instruction.
In the Swing of Things
Within the first week of class, I had been greeting students, and helping to lead instruction.
Bonding Time
I found my comfort zone to be in my one-on-one interactions with students. Attitudes changed as I earned their respect by sharing my own artwork, and helping to solve challenges that arose in art making.
Relationships Form
Before long, students followed my advise, and came to me with questions. They treated me as a true teacher, and entrusted me with their personal stories and jokes. With Mrs. Blackwell's help, my students even helped me celebrate my 22nd Birthday!
...With my Co-Op, Too
Not only was I becoming closer with my students, but my relationship with my cooperating teacher was blossoming as well. Cynthia even took me out to celebrate my big 2-2, and we continue to take a ceramics class together at the Manchester Craftsman's Guild!
A Single Day
In a single day, say, Tuesday, I would lead all classes for the day (including instruction, critiques, and demonstrations), set up for a student showcase, assess student work, and attend a three hour night class to create artwork of my own. By the end of my late night, I wasn't exhausted or overwhelmed, instead, I looked forward to my next fast-paced day. Sometimes I even made it to the gym!
Community Affairs
Besides my involvement with the Manchester Craftsman's Guild and student showcases at the school, my favorite part of the job had been going out into the community to make connections and inform my teaching. Places like the Creative Center for Reuse and Ceramic Supply in Pittsburgh inspired lessons! I was even able to enter my own artwork in a public show through connections made. WIth my co-ops seemingly endless connections in Pittsburgh, I met art teachers from all over for lunch, learned about volunteer opportunities, and met with local businesses.
Gallery Presence
Showing personal artwork is one thing, but I found that my sanity was maintained most by immersing myself in the art of Pittsburgh! There are so many opportunities to visit galleries an museums, with gallery crawls, free openings, and more! The Carnegie Museum and downtown galleries and public pieces satisfied my thirst for art, and further inspired my lessons.
The Prep
Another oddly enjoyable activity for me became compiling resources for my students. Making posters and handouts, or even digital presentations, became a fun activity. I get excited seeing my students use the resources I've made, and constantly think of new materials to create for my kids.
The Environment
I was fortunate enough to start at a classroom with visuals EVERYWHERE, and wonderful art materials. Upon my arrival, all I could do is add on to the already wonderful visuals, and teach the only way I know. I tried to take advantage of the resources available, like the Friends of Art Collection of professional works around the school.
Curriculum?
I was fortunate to have a great deal of freedom with lesson planning at the Gifted Center. Because the program is enrichment-based, there was no set curriculum. I simply looked to the Common Core and state/national standards to create engaging, and often exploratory activities.
The Beginning
The connections I made with my students and coworkers, and the knowledge and confidence I gained over the past two months has been invaluable. This is only just the start.
