David Warlick of Two Cents Worth recently challenged librarians to pose their “elevator speeches” in defense of the librarian’s place in a world filled with computers and internet resources.
I’m pleased with the answers he received. I have always respected the power a librarian has to help and enrich our lives personally as well as academically, and I would be saddened to meet anyone who doesn’t agree!
I recently had the good fortune of being offered a position teaching art at the Kingsley Montessori School in Back Bay. There is nothing but joy and excitement in me for the thought of teaching in a community that is so welcoming, enthusiastic and dedicated to the art of education.
Kingsley is what I’ve been waiting for- a dream position. I cannot wait to flex my art teacher muscles again and unleash a bevy of new lessons, collaborate with their fabulous faculty, and experiment in their development office with graphic design.
To those well-wishers who have been hoping and networking for me these past two years, thank you- it worked.
September is always exciting to me, especially when I begin to plan my day-to-day lessons.
This year I’ll be teaching pre-school, ages 3.5 to 4. While it is not art, I believe this position will be energizing, rewarding and challenging. I look forward to finding new ways to present information and facilitate exploration for younger children. This particular age seems to be effortlessly affectionate as well as curious and open to new experiences.
What more can a teacher ask for? I know I’ll be coming home from work with a smile on my face this year.
Tags: Jobs · education · students
It’s been almost a year since I moved to Boston from Philadelphia and I’ve found the job market for art teachers slim to nil. My search last year began in Philadelphia by blanketing the area with 180 resume packets. From the 180 packets, I had two interviews. I was offered a job from the second interview, but was urged to turn it down by family who thought I would be better paid in another position. While I may kick myself now about the decision, I realize that the journey I’ve been on has made me a better teacher.
After moving, I held three successive jobs; one as a substitute teacher, one as a special education paraprofessional, and I am currently an art camp counselor. Each of these jobs, while teaching me a completely new angle on education, has only reaffirmed my desire to have an art classroom of my own again. Perhaps I was foolish, or stubborn to accept positions only in education, the jury is still out. Luckily, as a semi-recent college graduate, I still feel comfortable living an extremely frugal life.
Yet, as the time for my current job search dwindles with the daylight hours, I find myself asking some familiar questions: How does one get her foot in the door when she doesn’t know a soul in her field nearby? Will I ever have that wonderful feeling of community in a school again?
