James Van Der Zee

This image by Dorothea Lang does not glamorize an era but rather laments one. The image depicts a migrant worker during the Great Depression with her two children. The intensity of the woman's expression grabs your eye. Her face is one of apprehension concerning the future mixed with present suffering, yet also exhibits strength. The clothing she is wearing shows her poverty and I just noticed the baby in her arms for the first time.

This photo of James Van Der Zee glamorizes the Harlem Renaissance by showing a regal image of a 'moses type' character in a glamorous setting, reading what looks like a Bible. I like the image because it looks almost timeless or ancient and somewhat otherworldly. I would like to talk to this man and hear what he had to say. It causes me to esteem the Renaissance as a period of wealth and learning, a time similar to the 'age of Solomon,' a Biblical king who possessed the greatest wisdom of any man who has ever lived. This man could also represent a Solomon of sorts.

Reflection

What I have learned most from this class has probably come from the visits to the different schools. By being able to see middle school and high school student's in action, I have become more open to the possibility of teaching grade levels other than the elementary level. Other than getting a better idea of what an ideal classroom looks like, I have learned allot about lesson planning and generating ideas for lesson plans. One little idea can blossom into a great project if you brainstorm and plan enough.

The various art projects were also very educational and will help me in the future. The secret books and puppets are great tools to have up my sleeve for future teaching ideas. Screen printing is also something I greatly enjoyed learning how to do and will enjoy doing more in the future. This class has also broadened my understanding of students from reading Fires in the Bathroom and what kind of things they face. I realize that teaching is not going to be easy but it is definitely going to be worth it.

What surprised me in the this class was how different a school can be just based on location. The difference between City High and Mount Vernon is astronomical. It makes me think more about how one could work to change the climate and situation at City High. What I take away from it is the desire to "own" my classroom. I foresee myself doing this by putting extra time, money and effort into making the absolute best of the space possible. Painting whatever I may be allowed to paint is also something I want to do. I think if you can create an inviting and 'homey' atmosphere you can do allot. I also plan on using music to create a peaceful mood in the room like at Mount Vernon. Lighting is also important. Having nice mood lighting instead of bright fluorescent lights can make a big difference.

Fostering a Positive Sense of Self Identity

I can help my students foster a positive sense of self-identity in the classroom by fostering a sense of community, taking time to get to know my students and by encouraging creativity and ingenuity. By getting all my students to believe that they are artists would enable them to see themselves in a positive light. I plan on doing this by encouraging creativity and by having eyes to see when students do something wonderful and don't realize it. By taking notice of students successes and accomplishments and praising them for these, whether intentional or not, will give them a more positive self identity. I plan to foster a sense of community by making my classroom a fun place to be, yet at the same time, making sure my kids know I am serious about their success.

Collaborative Project

A collaborative art project I could do as a teacher could be a large mural somewhere in the city where I would teach. It would be cool to have all the art teachers in the city get together and create a portion of this mural. This would create unity and solidarity among teachers and help create a sense of community as everyone has to work together outside of their own school setting. The mural could raise awareness for a specific social issue or community problem, such as the importance of the arts.

Another collaborative project that would be fun to do would be a giant quilt. This also could be made with other community art teachers as well and then could be raffled off at a school function, with the raffle money going to support local charities. I think it is so important that art be used to build up and strengthen a community. Doing a raffle would be a great way we could give back into the community and help our students by enhancing the place in which they live.

Advocate for the Arts

I plan to be an advocate for the arts in my school district by getting involved in community art projects. Having my kids work on art projects outside of school hours such as creating a mural is one idea I have. Doing art fund raisers where student work is sold to raise money for a good cause is another idea. Talking to the principal about putting on something like Coralville Central's Evening of the Arts would also be an avenue to incorporate art into students and families lives. I think having an art show with student work is important to get them excited and make them feel like they are creating something worth while.

Personally, I don't really see how being an advocate for the arts could be risky. Art is to me a good thing and more art and creativity that students are surrounded with will boost their self esteem and moral.

Alter Ego Project

For my alter ego, I imagined myself as being born in China to missionary parents. I speak and write Chinese fluently and become the first geisha to go into outer-space. I also help my family and open a school for orphans in China where I teach art and train young people to be creative world changers.

Students with Disabilities

I have not had any experience in the actual classroom with a student with disabilities, however, I have grown up spending time with a friend with disabilities. One of my mom's older friends had a daughter with mental retardation. She is about my mom's age but has the mental age of about a 10 year old. She is an amazing woman and so wonderful to be around. She is always easy to get along with and in a good mood. She is also really intelligent when it comes to animals and can tell you just about anything about snakes. Taking her around in public was always a learning experience for me. I learned how to be firm with her when I needed to and also flexible on my own part. People with disabilities will definitely stretch you and get you out of the box. I remember one time we were at the state fair with her and they were doing a show with a poisonous snake. She owns a few snakes and was insisting that she could hold it. She tried to go towards the man more than once to touch the snake, and we had to be very firm in keeping her back because the snake was highly poisonous. That is just one example, but overall, she is an amazing friend.

Having this experience with my mom's friend's daughter opens my eyes to see that teaching student's with disabilities is going to take patience and flexibility. You have to be able to change things when appropriate to accommodate the student, while keeping them connected to the class and getting along with everyone.