It's late but I want to at least give you some support on what seems like
a gigantic stress! First of all, I would ask each teacher to give you a
seating chart so you could at least see names! Also, I remember when i
taught elementary, one good thing is that every year you knew more names
and only had to learn eventually--the first graders and any transfers so
it does get easier. Talk or send a really pretty note to all the classroom
teachers about not sending work home. ASk for their cooperation. Try and
not be defensive. Even thank (yes thank the principal who is driving you
crazy) her/him for suggestions. Some people have to be in charge and if
your goal is not that, put to survive! then give everyone lots of credit,
etc. This might smooth your path.
Ask the principal for lead time between classes so you can clean and move.
State it very matter of fact, again not in a whiny or excusive type of
voice. I think you get the picture. It's taken me a long time to
understand that. And, as everyone else has said numerous times, make
friends with custodians and secretaries. A few well placed boxes of candy
or cookies work wonders. Maybe you can get some help there for those clean
up things. i didn't quite get that bit about the paint, but i have a funny
story when I was teaching elem art and i worked out of a closet--not even
a cart! as this was an old multi level building with two portable
classrooms out behind the bldg with no water. Anyway, I was mixing what
paint we had when I first started which was powder! What a mess. I somehow
tracked some blue into the office and got the principal quite angry so I
found a huge mop and proceeded back to the office when it was already
cleaned up as she said--with a kleenex. I kid you not. I just kept plowing
along and putting up work and trying to keep a smile on my face and not
making excuses. Things eventually worked out fine. So try not to think
quitting but you could look for a job without so many schools while
keeping this one! Think of ways to simplify your work: maybe everyone
doing some version of the same project and then displaying the masks, for
example, of first graders with the fifth graders! Then you don't have all
kinds of materials to deal with at the same time. Or do what I did when I
didn't have a cart--pack boxes in the am. ASk for help and try not to be
discouraged. if I'm repeating, I'm tired and still have to try and do the
treadmill a little. What a joke on that one.
I might as well respond to the copying issue while I'm at it. I too liked
REatha's comments. I have a large collection of references for thes
tudents to use, a project cabinet devoted to still life items and will
bring in whatever is necessary. I think we need to differentiate between
"learning" and claiming as our own. learning can be copying to understand
but it shouldn't be sent as original to anything, esp Scholastics but
that's another sore spot as we all have seen blatant copying awarded
prizes. I also agree that we have to grade on both product and effort and
following the objectives and level of difficulty. not an easy task and my
least favorite aspect of teaching. Oh well, this was too long winded.
Sorry but I got on a roll.
Fran in Pgh
Oh, I made a powerpoint on the pantyhose sculptures adding the samples
form the list and the list of materials and procedures. Now I want to add
the historical background. This year I'm using it as an extra during our
Art i sculpture unit for those who have finished the wire sculpture or
haven't been too succesful with the wire sculpture. I have to give credit
to the samples and add some more ta das but I like this idea of using
powerpoint for extra work and it didn't take too much time at all to get
it up and running. Now I can perfect it.
