1. What I wish someone had told me!
Tips for Teachers
What I wish someone had told me!

2. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for help!!

3. Don’t take it personal
When a student lashes out or acts out don’t take it personally! Treat each day as a new start.
Try to see the world through their eyes (especially teenagers!)

4. Rules
Pick your rules wisely, too many can cause an atmosphere of rebellion
Example: Be Respectful to everyone.
Follow all directions.
Take care of the art supplies
Then teach routines and procedures for everything else! Practice procedures till they get it right! It takes time on the front end but saves time rest of the year.

5. Kids don’t come knowing how to line up, ask questions, be respectful, cut, glue, use a sponge or clean a paintbrush!
Be prepared to teach them everything, esp. in elementary and you will be surprised how many middle and high school kids need to be taught the same things!

6. Try not to yell!!
When you yell……………………………….They win

7. Decide what your bottom line is and enforce it consistently!

8. Avoid confronting students in front of their classmates this often escalates as others inject their opinions!

9. Have a plan in place, maybe time out, whisper in their ear, hand them a card with a word on it, have a refocus station or:
Take the student outside, be calm but firm. Don’t argue.

10. Building Rapport with students
Greet Students at the door
Show you are interested in them, listen to them when they talk about life outside your class
If possible attend some of their events, sports, band or choir concerts
DON’T JUDGE ALL STUDENTS BY A FEW BAD ONES
BE CONSISTENT
MOOD IS CONTAGIOUS, ESPECIALLY YOURS..START OUT EACH DAY ON A POSITIVE NOTE, GET EXCITED ABOUT WHAT YOUR TEACHING

11. Elementary Thoughts
You will acquire minor celebrity status-you don’t have to convince kids that the art room is awesome! (some teachers will be a little jealous)
They talk a lot! Get them talking about art, read them stories to connect to art and it helps settle them down too esp. K-1!!
You will have a large range of abilities..yes you will have to show some how to hold a pencil! Meet them where they are and push forward.
You will not see them everyday so it is harder to train them, be consistent and have practice routines and procedures.
Let them move, sing occasionally and listen to music as they work.
Have fun, be silly, do the unexpected
YOU WILL HAVE LOTS OF FUNNY STORIES TO TELL!

12. Middle School Thoughts not for the weak!
Remember don’t take behavior personally! They are moody, funny, silly, immature, loud, intense, insecure, impulsive, scared and sensitive.
Be aware some of them have a lot on their plate: home life probably very different from yours, may have many issues you will have no idea about
Help them feel safe and secure
Be real, be professional, responsible, structured and filtered
Tap into their interest. Let them express it in their art
Have high expectations. Clear Classroom management plan and stick to it!
Communicate with parents

13. High School Thoughts
Be Authentic, let them know something about your life, interest, hobbies, your art.
Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know”, find the answer with your student!
Don’t be afraid to tell them no
Music motivates, sometimes my choice, sometimes their earbuds
You will be tired emotionally and mentally
They will let you down, be irresponsible, refuse to do work. Also they will amaze you with what they say, do or create!

14. They need to talk about art, process what others make, critiques, peer reviews, discussion and writing.
You are a mentor, NOT a friend, treat them like adults, be respectful, help and guide them, build a relationship of mutual respect.
Art class is unique, memorable, amazing
Don’t forget to laugh!

15. Switching Levels Things to Ponder:
Am I ready for all these new situations, re-learn daily ins and outs of a new school?
How adventurous am I?
What about co-workers, change involves leaving behind friends and making new ones?
Am I ready to replace a former teacher?
Seniority, salary, retirement, benefits
Mindset, growth mindset key!