I'm originally from Wisconsin. I got two degrees in elementary
education and art education. Eight years ago I moved to California for
a third grade teaching position. It wasn't until I got here that I
realized I was everything to my students...classroom teacher, art, p.e.,
music, etc. Two years ago I finally found a school that truly values
the arts. I am now a dedicated art teacher for K-8 students. I'm
probably the only public school elementary art teacher in the county, if
not the valley.
I was a regular classroom teacher for years and I mentor the new
teachers. I have to say that we all do the "extras". Our tech teachers
set up equipment for assemblies and help all of us with our tech issues,
our science teacher runs the science fair, our first grade teacher plans
the spirit days, the drama teacher heads the talent show, and so on. No
one gets extra compensation for the work they do besides lots of "thank
yous" and "IOUs". And for the first time in my teaching career, I have
felt proud to be a teacher at the school I am teaching at. We all give
as much as we can to better the lives and education of our kids. And I
can honestly say that it works better this way. So my opinion is do
what you can. If you're asked to showcase your talents for the
betterment of education, be honored.
Cheri Lloyd
Art Teacher/ Beginning Teacher Mentor
Whitmore Charter School of the Arts and Technology
3435 Don Pedro Road
Ceres, CA 95307
209.556.1610
