Re: Art Job CutsHi Bunki,
Yep, I can see that letting administration know that you have other teaching
credentials can diminish one's art classes. However, I found in my eight
year stint teaching 7th grade world history (3 periods) and art (2 periods)
that I got A LOT more respect from both staff and administration because I
was teaching an "academic" class. Snort!!
I rather liked that teaching social studies put me in the middle of the CORE
curriculum. People took me and my opinions seriously! (Yes, I know that
our former Superintendent of Schools declared art as part of the core
curriculum.)
While I was teaching social studies, I snuck in a lot of visual and
performing arts to help my classes of ELL, full-inclusion, resource and
low-achieving kids understand and LIKE history.
I won't use the old adage of lemons and lemonade, but rather, "when it
rains, start swimming and be like Esther Williams!"
-Alix E. Peshette
Technology Coordinator
Emerson Junior High School
Davis, CA
"There are three ways to get something done:
1. Do it yourself
2. Hire someone
3. Forbid your students to do it"
from: Bunki Kramer (bkramer@srvusd.k12.ca.us)
Los Cerros Middle School
968 Blemer Road
Danville, CA 94526
http://www.lcms.srvusd.k12.ca.us/newKramer/KramerMain.html
*******************************************
From: Alix Peshette <apeshet@pacbell.net>
After teaching art for an ice age, and going through the lay-off
notices, part-time positions, multiple sites to-make-a-full-time-job, I had
finally had it. I needed a few back-up areas of authorization for teaching.
At least in California, once you have the first credential, you can take the
state subject area tests and if you pass, that authorization is added to
your credential.
I've found that administration is much more interested in keeping us art
folk on when they can also use us to teach other subjects.
*******************************************
Hi, Alix...Same scenario for me too here in big old CA. I got a math
credential added to my art one so I would at least always have a job. I did
it a different way than taking the state test. You can take 10 hours of
upper division level college classes in your subject OR 20 hr. lower
division level college classes to earn a second certificate in CA.
However...knowing that I have this math credential, my art job is
dwindling because they can fit me into the academics easily. I'm now
teaching 4 art and 2 math. We just had an electives meeting yesterday and
the new principal suggested that I might be teaching 3 art and THREE math
next year due to $$$ crunch. When I mentioned to her that my passion lies in
art and not math, she turned around and barked to me..."You want a job next
year, don't you?" Compassion is not her strong suit. I'm upset. Trying not
to stress over it yet but it's difficult. Sure lowers the morale of
teaching. I don't HATE teaching math but my passion is art and the faculty,
kids, and parents all know this. Sooooooo...beware of the ramifications too
if you get a second credential.
I do have one friend who has not submitted her last class grade to the
district yet but is holding on to it. If she gets in a pinch for a job, all
she has to do is submit it to the state board to get a new certificate and
make herself more attractive job-wise. She's seen what has happened to me.
And life goes on........Toodles....Bunki
