Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Will you teach art?

I no sooner put in my papers to retire in June, 2007, when the principal sat down with me to discuss the possibility of teaching art part time in the fall.  This was an amazing opportunity to return to my first love, what I had actually trained for but hardly ever got to do.  After watching elementary art programs erode over 40 years from a once a week experience with a trained teacher to an occasional art lesson with the homeroom teacher I really was excited to offer the children art classes.  Teachers were thrilled to receive the support and the children were delighted.  In part, my goal was not only to expose children to basic art skills but to demo for teachers their own collection of art lessons that connect and support everyday curriculum.  For a while this position had a special stipend but as budgets are being cut it will became a "volunteer opportunity", which I will joyfully exercise with the help of another retired friend.  One of the highlights this year was an Art Gallery for Open House for parents to see what kind of art lessons the children are receiving.