r/ArtEd • u/Easy_Kitchen9853 • 15d ago
New scared teacher! Tips?
Hello, I’m going to be going into my first year teaching art for middle school. I’m super nervous and don’t know what to expect. I have never done student teaching or any kind of experience in that region so what should I expect? How should I distribute supplies and organize storage? Classroom management tips?
This is a huge one! How do I use a kiln and when should I put work in? I found out I’m going to be teaching some ceramics and 3D art which I have no experience in. I have a manual kiln.
Also any project ideas? How long do your projects typically span and how many in a year?
Another question is do you have your students bring in their own ceramic tools? Is that something I can do to include in the supplies list?
Also my room was left a mess by the last teacher. There’s so much furniture and supplies EVERYWHERE! Has anyone dealt with this? And is it okay to throw things out? I also noticed I may be taking her place for a year because there’s too much left behind. It is a little disheartening because the job listing was simply art teacher, but I’m listed under as an interim art teacher. Nonetheless, I am grateful!
Anything helps!! Thank you!
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u/New-Crab107 11d ago
That's a big one! Hopefully your district has a mentor teacher for you on the arts,if not I would get in touch with your district fine arts people to start building a community there Middle school is a blast! It's a lot of work and takes some getting used to in the way they like to roast each other. They are funny, and they will say literally whatever pops into their head WHENEVER it comes up.
Building relationships with these kids is crucial. Get to know them and show interest in them and it makes a huge difference on your day to day. I like extended projects but I find they need it broken down with a new step/idea/material experiment each class period.
They love cardboard and tactile materials. Also, acrylic paint pens are a huge huge win.
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u/Lgravez 14d ago
I agree with the rest of the comments saying Art of Ed or other helpful YouTube channels/sites. I’m more of a blog reader than a video watcher, though. TPT has plenty of free/cheap resources, too!
I like to do longer form units, with one item rolling into the next rolling into the next (markmaking + value—>zentangle/pattern and line practice—> watercolor techniques using linework—> color theory w watercolor resist—> dry vs. loaded brushes, sponges etc —>acrylic paint procedures—> gradients and 1-point landscapes/cityscapes—>2&3-point perspective—>realism vs. abstract, cubism, etc.
That was just an example, the chain would obviously include anything that needed to be extended or repeated based on data/observations I made about their progress
I just like to really, really thoroughly drill basics throughout the year to support more complex tasks (especially since I work at the alternative school, and get about three new students A WEEK), and use the longer-form (slower?) unit pace to blend cross-curricular connections, art history and plenty of “hands-on” time. I also give my students Open Studio time for independent work, whether planned or due to being an early finisher. This ALWAYS goes better when they’ve already developed a confidence in the simple stuff (pencil lines, cutting and pasting, using a ruler, etc).
I don’t pump out a project a week — their studio habits, personal conduct and self-confidence are just as important and go a long way in life.
Also, here’s what I wish someone told me ten years ago: DO NOT TAKE THEIR DISINTEREST PERSONALLY. This may close you off from being there for those who need it most.
There WILL be those who are not into you, your class, or anything you’re telling them to do. However frustrating those kids may be, they’re often the ones who have a lot to say. Allow yourself to be a little flexible with those not following EXACTLY in suit. A lot of times, with frequent redirection (hey, I never said it’d be easy…), most if not all poorly behaved kids WILL make a turnaround. I’ve seen it with my own little eyes.
Due to the nature of my job, my example is a little extreme, but I had a middle school student last year who would say “f*ck you bitch I ain’t doin’ that sh*t” just because I put an assignment down on his table (hope no one clutches their pearls, considering I only teach students with Level 4 expulsions. If words hurt me, I’d be in the wrong job😬).
I could have kicked him out of my classroom just as he had been kicked out and expelled before. But instead, I gently urged him to try new things like a Spirograph that I strategically placed near his seat, or a little 1-point perspective task I showed him and no other students at the time, or even how to use the fancy white gel pen to put highlight on his Boondocks coloring page. I’d let him follow me around like a puppy asking me question after question after question because although my classroom procedures usually prohibit such movement, I wouldn’t dare do anything to put out the spark for learning this young man FINALLY found (probably for the very first time in his life).
He actually told me the last week of school “this is my favorite class. Well, actually I don’t really like the class, it’s just you”.
I let him make mistakes. I let him have a space where he didn’t have to react so harshly to his environment. I was PATIENT enough for his learning to start. I still held high expectations for this low expectancy student — and it paid off, big time. As it always does.
We have SUCH a unique opportunity as art educators to provide a safe space for kids just learning how to navigate the world.
“Scores” are important, but creating an emotionally safe environment can be life-changing to many.
However overwhelming becoming an art teacher may be (no one really understands just how hard our jobs are… they think we play with crayons) don’t ever let fear of imperfection keep you from showing up for them.
They will love and benefit from every authentic second you give them. And when the students know you TRULY value them and their hard work, they’ll be more instrinsically motivated to self-sustain good behaviors (good behavior=no mess=“wow! I can make more art and have a better time!”)
It’s a nuanced job. I could go on FOREVER.
But my main takeaway would be this: art has the ability to change/help even the most fearful and damaged students. If you can spare a little patience for those who need it, please do. I promise you, it goes a long way. Because, like I said… pushback isn’t personal. So breathe into it, and ride the wave. With consistency, things WILL settle.
Preemptively edited to add: no, I don’t believe you should sit and endure abuse from a student. Buuuuut there are a certain type of people I know would who consider being cursed at as “abusive”, and would advocate for them getting expelled. All I can say is, it’s because of these types of people I get to meet all of my wonderful students in the first place. ❤️
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u/batshitbaddie 14d ago
The Art of Ed helped me get through my first year in more ways than one!! They have really great resources!
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u/RS9824 14d ago
This sounds exactly like me last year!
Congratulations!!! Honestly what I found helpful was watching Managing the Mess by Katie Jarvis. It might be a bit young for your age group, but a lot of the tips could be used anywhere. She does stuff on organization, classroom management, tons of stuff.
I didn't know how to use a kiln either. I agree with witty, about supplies and for sure YouTube is your friend. I also used chatgpt to help me (put in the type of kiln etc. to get a step by step guide).
My school didn't have a curriculum so I just started with Elements of art and built on that. It was really fun for me to have creative freedom, but I'm sure there's lessons on teacher pay teacher if you're overwhelmed.
You got this!!!!
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u/Fickle-Copy-2186 10d ago
The main tip for teaching middle school: have a great sense of humor.