As Andrew talked about with Johanna last week, curriculum is way less "what" we teach, and more of "how" we teach it. In Part 2, Tim comes on the show to join Andrew in a discussion about curriculum at the secondary level. They hit on the big themes of autonomy and creativity, and how those themes should influence what and how you teach. Listen as they discuss how to give your students a voice in curriculum planning (9:00), how to deal with a curriculum that is dictated to you (12:30), and how to ensure consistency and quality with curriculum by utilizing the National Core Arts Standards (15:15).
Curriculum is way less "what" we teach, and more of "how" we teach it. Andrew brings on AOE's Johanna Russell to talk about our own systems and routines, and making sure they can work at any level. There are a lot of different approaches to curriculum, of course, but it's important to make sure we are still meeting the standards no matter the approach. As we move beyond that, Andrew talks about mindset vs. skillset, and Johanna starts a discussion on how it's not about what facts they remember, it's about developing confidence as artists and learners (11:30). They also discuss the difference between "covering" material and actually TEACHING that material (15:00), and why we need both kids and colleagues in the correct mindset to find success (19:00). Johanna finishes the show by giving her best advice for writing or rewriting your own curriculum and the best approach for you and your students (26:00).
Building relationships with parents can be a daunting task--especially when you teach hundreds of kids. But it's always about communication. There aren't a lot of shortcuts, unfortunately, but putting the time into building relationships is ultimately worth it. Listen as Andrew and Lindsey discuss the benefits of a good relationship with parents (8:30), strategies to build those relationships as an elective teacher (11:30), and how to mend fences when problems with parents do arise (17:15).
Take a look at some of Lindsey's best articles:
Tim had the chance to sit down with author and illustrator Mike Venezia, whose "Getting to Know" series of books are in art rooms around the world. Mike has a great understanding of--and appreciation for--art teachers, and what we do on an everyday basis. This appreciation led to a meaningful and inspirational conversation. Listen as Tim asks Mike about Inspiration and education in art, and how he turned it into a career (3:00), his beginning as an author and illustrator (6:15), and his working methodology when creativity strikes (15:30).
If you want to hear even more from Mike, he will be one of the featured speakers at Art Ed Now, the 2017 Winter Online Conference for Art Teachers. Check out the entire lineup of presenters and register today!
It's time for the First Day of School, version 2.0! Whether you had an amazing first semester or an incredibly difficult one, this is your chance to start new. You have a chance to look at classroom management, curriculum, organization, routines, and everything in between. This is also your chance to recharge and redo what isn't working. Andrew asks Tim about his best classroom management advice (8:00), mistakes to avoid (11:15), and how to go above and beyond with your projects in the second semester (16:00). The guys finish the show with a conversation on enlisting your kids to help things run smoothly.