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| Last year, summer lesson art project. |
How many of us teach art lessons/camp
during the summer?
I've taught art lessons in my garage during the past 3 summers, but this summer I was on call for "jury duty" in June, so I couldn't schedule any lessons. I must admit I've enjoyed the time off, but not teaching goes with less income..........oh well........
Just curious if you teach art during the school year, AND summer too? If you do, my hat goes off to you!!
I love kids, but honestly there are times when I revel in not being around other people's children.
Over the years, I've taught some sort of art or craft class at a PTSA run summer camp at our school. The program was 4 mornings a week, with a different menu of classes to sign up for each week. I usually taught one or two of the weeks, and had planned to do so this summer as well. The money was minimal, but the kids LOVED it.
ReplyDeleteSadly, our PTSA, which has been a HUGE supporter of my art program,disbanded this spring after a situation between them and the principal exploded. It all started with a thoughtless statement on facebook, and all the apologies in the world couldn't undo the damage. The PTSA was a hard-working and vastly under-appreciated bunch of busy moms (I guess you can tell which side of the disagreement I'm on). It even divided teachers a bit; the PTSA sponsored end-of-year catered luncheon was BOYCOTTED by a few teachers. I guess they've never made a statement that they wished they could take back... Anyhow, I'd love to write about it/discuss the whole thing on my blog but I can't. I need to stay out of trouble.
Yipes! What a story, sad part is that I know it's true....Every year I've been in PTSA some animosity occurs to various degrees. Your story is exceptional though. Guessing, with the new crop of parents next year, your PTSA will start again and the theatrics of this year will become just a memory. I'm glad you shared the story. I like being reminded that we can never be too careful when choosing our words - ESPECIALLY, in writing:)
ReplyDeleteI usually do a small summer art camp. This year it was just 2 afternoons.
ReplyDeleteI am teaching art camp this summer. It is my first year trying it out in my district. I feel that there are not very many art opportunities in the community I work in, so I thought I could try summer classes. Luckily the high school art teacher was on board with me. I am really enjoying the classes, but it was a lot of work to coordinating and planing the program. I haven't really felt like I have had a vacation yet. But knowing me I will probably do it again ;)
ReplyDeleteI've never taught summer classes. I really like having the summer free-ish. I am also saving a substantial amount this summer by not having to pay for childcare, so I am calling that my summer income :)
ReplyDeleteyep...I teach at least one art camp a summer...usually 2. They are week long camps...so I still have a chunk of time. Though this summer it was filled with rewriting district curriculum, planning inservice for Aug, and state text book adoption.
ReplyDeleteMr. E.... what textbooks are you adopting? Did you have text books in the past? Do any of you other teachers use textbooks in your classroom? I don't have any and am not sure if I would like them or not. Thoughts???
ReplyDeleteMost summers, I stay home and enjoy time with my own kids and get my home life in order, and just generally decompress from the school year. This time is so precious to me. I have taught at various camps a few summers and haven't really enjoyed them so much, to be honest. I only do it when I want to make some extra moolah for a vacation, or to make up for furlough days like last year. My advice is to only do the camp thing if you need the money! (or of course if it's your own camp and you're having fun!)
ReplyDeleteTisha, I hope you're right (about a new crop of parents picking up the PTSA) but I don't know. We are a small district, 550 kids in one building, from pre-K through grade 12. I know the PTSA was trying to spend down their balance, so if someone does jump on board, they'll be starting with nothing.
ReplyDeleteWe had the Portfolio series last. It was ok. However, our district only purchased 3rd grade...which wasn't super helpful. I'm working for the state for this...and recommending books to the state that meet national and state standards. Davis looks like they have some great stuff for elementary
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