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.