Ideal Teaching Environment

Realistically, there are always going to be pros and cons about each school and art program that I will be a part of during my teaching career.  But, of course, everyone has a dream work environment that they wish they could choose.  Mine involves several aspects, including classroom and storage space, colleague and administrative support, student involvement, and location.

Ideally, my school would be maybe a 30-40 minute drive from my house.  Earlier in my educational journey, I did not want to consider a commute that long, however I came to realize the benefit of such a distance.  This would give a buffer zone between my home life and my students, limiting the risk of bumping into them at the store or at a restaurant.  I would also like to be in a good school district with a strong art program.  Shocker, I know, but a strong program is essential for betterment of my own teaching techniques and the advancement of my students.  A strong art program entails strong administrative support and cooperation between other visual arts teachers.  Cooperative colleagues are key to a good program.  The other visual arts teachers need to be on board with continuing the good program and working hard to better their students' skills and experiences.  Other teachers within the school and district who support the arts and its advancement can also help maintain a good program, providing patrons for advanced projects and/or visitors to and advocates for art shows.  Administrators who support the arts and provide a strong budget are also essential to building an enviable program that produces phenomenal work and successful students.  Without the support of the head hanchos, a program cannot even dream of getting off the ground.  Administrators who understand the importance of a strong art program and wish to better the school environment through the program provide generous budgets with which to get things done.

Speaking of getting things done, with a generous budget, I could have the room that I believe would suit my own methods as well as my students' needs.  This room includes large tables with plenty of room for students to work, with chairs instead of stools, plenty of storage space, and sinks in the classroom.  I remember the struggle of sitting in a stool for an extended period of time in an art class, my back already aching from carrying a book bag, so I would provide my students with chairs.  Stools may be available to those who choose to use them, but chairs would be the standard.  Plenty of storage space is key as well, through extensive cabinetry or shelving within the classroom, as well as a separate storage room for bigger supplies.  

Lastly, my ideal teaching environment includes open and inquisitive students who push me to keep developing my own work and learning new techniques.  Without students who want to learn and develop their own skills, I feel as though I would not be able to truly advance and maintain a good art program or enrich my students' lives.