This Friday, 7:30pm EST, join me and some of the creative crew behind the Justice League of the ‘90s! This was one of the most creative and diverse times in the League’s 30+ year history. We’ll be dedicating our conversation … Continue reading
The second term of the school year was a marathon, but I’m pleased to say it was very successful! Continue reading
Today I received a surprise from my third grade friends! These made my day!
So much has happened in the last seven weeks since I took over a new classroom! My fifth grade class ended our last week together before February break on a high note and I’m looking forward to our return as … Continue reading
Looking back at 2021, I have SO much to be thankful for despite major hurdles. Continue reading
I’m knee deep into teaching third grade and wrapping up my graduate degree. As part of a reflection assignment I had to film myself. This is what I recorded!
What a wild year this has been! There have been so many downs, but possibly more incredible ups to the school year. I’ve learned a lot and I am so proud of our fifth graders. While expectations and safety precautions … Continue reading
I’m a part of an LGBTQ affinity group of my district’s educators. We’re getting into Pride month and different schools will be celebrating in their own ways. I’m cooking up some fun learning activities to space out throughout the month … Continue reading
I don’t have any art projects in the works because I’ve officially begun a graduate research study. I’m focusing on creative ways to present in mid 2021. I chose a topical subject that deserves more attention. These are slides of my proposal at a fall symposium. More soon!
UPDATE: I completed my study in late spring. I presented my findings at a closing symposium of the semester. Similar to last year’s, but more complex. The response of my presentation was incredibly positive and I’m proud to say I earned myself another A. It was a lot of work, but my findings will only benefit my own teaching.
To review my final slideshow click HERE.
I spent the year teaching full-time, in and out of the art room, while working towards a graduate degree in Elementary Ed. Most of my time was spent at my desk at home or in a 5th grade classroom. December 18th, 2020, Lasell University finally wrapped up for winter break. I had gone round and round with a professor all semester. I apologized for being a pest, she responded that I wasn’t a pest, “You’re tenacious.” (Thanks?) And I had spoken to several classmates of growing concerns over our progress throughout the course. I wasn’t the only one who felt the professor was grading unfairly all term. I know I’d done a good job, but my end grade for an important class was a “B”. That’s not a terrible grade, I know. Besides, 6 As and 1 B at the end of the year wasn’t so bad at all. But if I’m telling my students grades shouldn’t matter … then I need to own up and take my own advice. Finally I decided, as of 2021, I will be judging myself based on my work progress. How much did I learn? What will I take away for my own classroom? To date I’ve learned a lot about the potential of a strong literacy program, the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy and LGBTQI inclusion, Gr. K-12. I have a little less than a year to go before earning my new degree and I think I need to refocus on what’s really important. 😃
UPDATE: It just so happened I needed to reference my unofficial transcripts. My grade for Literacy Instruction was changed to from a “B” to an, “A-“.
Meanwhile, checkout some of the work I’ve presented to students. It was a busy year and I am proud of my progress as an educator. Teaching in a hybrid model (some students in-person, others at home) has its challenges. Gone are the days of traditional snow days so there were times I had to get creative at home. This past Thursday was jam-packed as students helped me bake pies during our discussion of cultural family traditions (and I brought math and science into the equation), we discussed fire safety from my kitchen, went to the ballet in my living room, got a weather report from Ottomotto, and shared fitness tips and a mini-workout to motivate each other (and help Mr. Wilber burn off those pies). I’m working alongside some AMAZING and experienced teachers who have been my guides throughout the year. And if not for my family and friends’ support. none of this would have been possible.
SWart Studio 