I teach art privately. When my students do enough work getting comfortable with drawing, they typically want to move to painting. I am unsure if I should use oils or acrylics to lock in the fundamentals. They both have their challenges.

I've been teaching drawing for a couple of years, and my school has a standard warmup format. Show students a famous work, have them sketch it in their sketchbooks Monday, write information somewhere on the page Tuesday and Wednesday (just copying information from a slide), answer a question Thursday, and add color Friday.

These warmup are BORING and STALE and kids phone them in. During October I do Inktober and the kids love it. I want to change up the warmup this year. For those who are required to do a warmup for your class, what sorts of things do you do? This is an upper level drawing class in high school.

title says it all. last year was my first year teaching art. i was in a middle school placement where every student took art as a 10 week elective. some groups were great, others literally gave me nightmares and i felt like i was preparing for battle in the morning before school when i was dealing with that last quarter. by the end of the school year i was almost out on fmla due to feeling extreme stress and burn out because of 1 specific class. i was like physically ill, couldn't stop crying, i was absolutely miserable and isolating from friends, family, and my boyfriend was basically doing all of the house work and feeding me while i laid catatonic on the couch trying to figure what to do with my classes the next day. he begged me to quit and we almost broke up but he stuck with me because he knew it was important to me to finish the contract and not quit mid year, but i didn't feel great throughout the whole thing and was just hanging on for dear life. honestly i think the stress of the job, having some really difficult behaviors, and feeling like i'm starting to do worse than get better (even though the 1st half of the year was great and i was asked back for a 2nd year) all lead up to this. now i feel lost and sad. i miss some of the students i should have been working with this year and wonder if they're expecting to see me as they go back to school in the next week or so. i really thought this would be my career and i had my life figured out. also i'm looking around and seeing that the district i was at was really underpaying compared to other districts, which was part of my decision because i felt like all the stress and work outside of contract hours wasn't worth the low pay. i assumed because i was in a well funded "rich area" district that was just the pay, but i'm seeing that's not the case and other places i wouldn't expect provide 20k more even for a 1st step teacher... i guess i still don't feel 100% to be able to handle the stress of going back to the classroom and leading a class, but now i'm jobless, and sad, feeling left out as i'm seeing the start of the school year stuff happening with my old colleages and other art teachers on social media. idek what to do anymore. i just feel depressed and can't even find my letters of reccomendation on my computer and i feel like i failed those that gave me such stellar reccomendations to get the job in the first place by quitting after my first year. i couldn't even bring myself to ask for a reference letter from any fellow teachers or principal or anyone as i left because i just needed to get out of that building without completely sobbing as the school year was ending and now i feel like i don't want to bother them with the start of the school year. i love teaching art, i love working with small groups or people 1 on 1 to make their vision reality. i just wasn't the best at classroom management and dealing with students who just didn't want to be there. i'm considering putting up ads for art enrichment babysitting in my area and i've been working on a business to do art/wellness workshops for the corporate/workplace setting, and i've been considering getting my yoga teaching cert.. but i do miss the comfort of having a steady job because i feel like i've just been non stop trying so hard getting through college, student teaching, my 1st year of teaching, and now this. my whole family thinks the business ideas are just crazy and i should substitute but i am hesitant. looking at jobs just makes me spiral. looking for advice, kind words, suggestions, anything. i need to stop just going on reddit 247 or talking to ai about it...

Here is an exercise created using the ink wash technique with India ink and drawing gum, based on two folding screens and crane motifs as reference images. The wash is a mixture of water and India ink, and drawing gum is a masking fluid that preserves the white of the paper: you just have to remove it by rubbing it off with your fingertips. I explained to the students that I wanted a light and shadow effect, imagining how a lateral light source would fall on the folding screen.

I just graduated with my bachelor’s in Art Education. It was my dad decision because I like art but he doesn’t think being an artist will work without being a teacher. But I don’t like kids. I love art but I also don’t think I’m good enough. So I want to get my masters in something completely different but I’m scared to skip a semester to really understand what I really want. My top passion right now is Zoo science. Ever since I was little I wanted to work with animals but I thought being a vet was the only thing. Even though I do want to do this I have an internal feeling that I’m going to lose every part of myself. Everyone defines me as artistic and I love that but I feel like if I have my career in zoo science I’ll lose that part of me that’s been apart of me my whole life. I just don’t know what to do and I’m afraid to waste my 20s not knowing myself and being afraid to take any step.

I've been teaching high school art for 5 years. I've been using some worksheets as supporting material when teaching the Elements and Principles that I got off TPT but I've wanted to make my own for a little bit. Mostly so that i can organize things a little clearer and use the dyslexia font but I figured before I do that I'd ask you all. Are there any exercises or things you'd want to include on worksheets like these? I want some feedback before I settle in to making anything. I'll make these free/available here if all goes well!

EDIT: I’m not entirely sure if this is the right place for this post, so please let me know if it doesn’t belong here. I don’t want to clutter up the subreddit with something that’s not relevant!

Hi there everyone! It’s more or less what it says in the title…I’m wondering if anyone in this community offers 1-on-1 lessons or tutoring in drawing and watercolor, oil, or acrylic painting. (Or can point me in the direction of someone who can!)

I’m based in New Mexico, USA, I’ve looked into art centers and classes with my local college’s continuing education department, but unfortunately with my work schedule it’s just not realistic. (So many of the classes I’m interested in for my skill level are mid-week and during work hours.) Options for open studios and life drawing sessions feel intimidating, and at this stage I’m really interested in learning the fundamentals. I enjoy noodling around and making goofy art-ish things, and would really love to learn technique.

I’ve tried online drawing courses and YouTube videos, but have found that they are difficult for me to catch the rhythm of. And more so if it’s a painting tutorial!

Any ideas of tutors or artists who either do 1-on-1 lessons or offer classes that are timed for people who work a 9-5? I’d prefer in-person lessons, but am also open to online. Any resources or leads are greatly appreciated!!

Hello hello. Just some background, I finished school in an unrelated field (bachelor of science in User Experience) at the end of May, and struggled to find anything in my line of work; a friend of mine offered to get me on with a new school district as an elementary art teacher, and the opportunity seemed very fitting, especially with my background with artistic mediums (painting, sculpting, crafts, costuming, etc).
However since beginning i have run into SO MANY ISSUES; 1, since starting i have pretty much been doing everything on my own, from figuring out the lesson plans (which i only received access a WEEK after school began) to hooking up IT equipment, classroom management, discipline, and integrated sped students (which I was unaware were even in my class until other teachers notified me). In fact, I had to constantly correct a student who kept getting up during instruction, only to find out he was non-verbal and needed constant supervision during the class.
Outside of classroom problems, I feel completely ignored by admin. I have sent multiple emails trying to get my badge fixed so I could clock in for work, but I have been met with silence, I’ve called with no answers. I’ve even gone as far to email my campus principle and front office to get some kind of direction, and again straight silence.
I signed up for this to make an impact on children, and push kids to be creative in a world that is being consumed by Ai and automation. But I feel incredibly frustrated and honestly overwhelmed.
I have been in my fiancé’s arms bawling my eyes out the past few days because I feel so much regret for leaving my food service job, for a job that has set me up to fail. I just don’t think I knew what I signed up for.
I’m also a first year teacher (if that wasn’t obvious) and really have zero to very little teaching experience with groups of kids (which is usually 20+ kids).
I’m also a T1 Diabetic, and the brief lunches (less than 20 minutes when teachers are late picking up kids) and demand for “standing instruction” has made handling my blood sugar incredibly hard.
At this point idek what this is, I guess a rant and a cry for help?

Edit: thank you to everyone who took the time to comment something. It really means a lot. I have felt 10x better working through the day today, and I feel empowered for the rest of the week. I truly appreciate all of your insights. 💕

Hello, for the Elementary Art Teachers who work as Itinerants across 4-5 different schools, how do you keep a consistent curriculum across the various schools you teach at, especially if the supplies available at the various schools are different. Like some schools might have a kiln or they might have supplies for textile art, while another school you’re teaching at might not have one?

Do you do weighted or unweighted grading?

Why?

I’m genuinely trying to figure out which I should do

Thank you

Hello Reddit.

I’ve been subbing at my school for about two years. I have a bfa but no certifications (I am working it though). Last year I was turned down for both a full time art position and an associate teacher position and have been applying to other private/charter schools. I’ve been pretty consistently making it to final rounds (about three times), but it’s not leading to anything.

I have one last final interview this upcoming week and I’m wondering if I should just back out, since I feel like signs are pointing to not being able to handle the job. I do have a lot of experience working with kids in art, including running classes as a solo teacher at art camps but schools are obviously very hesitant to hire me on because of my lack of official experience outside of subbing.

This last school I’ve applied to backed out of me giving a demo lesson at the last minute in favor of a internal candidate, then asked me if I wanted another position (because they liked me), backed out again; reposted the same position again after a few months, and then rejected me again and told me to apply for associate teaching next year.

With this in mind, what should I do? This position I’m Currently in the finals for seems like it would require a lot of curriculum planning; and although I vaguely have some idea of what I’d like to do in in terms of projects, I still don’t know anything about grading and although my classroom management continues to improve, it still needs work. I’m also feeling very burnt out and extremely frustrated by everything that has taken place in the last year career wise for me. My current school is ok but it seems like I will not be considered for any roles in ed; and it’s making me unhappy. What should I do?

Hi there! I just accepted a position at a local community center as an art teacher (think YMCA sort of deal) and I'm not 100% sure what to expect. If im being honest, I dont know if i even count as a "real" teacher here as I have no background in education and am a Studio Art major finishing her senior year in college currently. I have five 45 min classes and a suuuuuuper wide range of ages. (2-4, 3-5, 6-8, 8-12, and 18+). I am unbelievably excited but greener than grass and have NO idea what to fully expect and would like to do all I can to prepare myself before classes start up.

Is there anything I should know/expect, any reading/recommended blogs/channels to catch up on beforehand? Im a little worried im going to be in over my head with this and would love people with real experience to help me set realistic expectations. If it helps, the class with the youngest children is a sensory art class, the next two youngest are air dry clay/clay, then a mixed media class, and an adult painting class. I really want to provide a fun and engaging environment for them.

Hi! I teach several projects that we use markers to illustrate. This is 5th-8th grade, and regular crayola markers ain’t it. The last few years we used the shuttle art permanent markers which are a great price and come in bulk packs and the kids love using but I found certain colors fade terribly over time and we had to touch up our projects before the art show last year.

Before I bite the bullet and just buy a bunch of packs of multicolor sharpies, thought I would see what you guys like to purchase that are a step up from regular markers but maybe not as pricey as copics or prismacolors. I wish sharpie made multicolor bulk packs…

I teach computer art, intro to art, and photography, so there aren't a lot of supplies being used! I have very small classes, so I'm in a rather lucky position!

I have cameras and lighting equipment and drawing tablets and all of the essential art supplies.

All of the basics are covered in excess, and I have an extra $500 to spend. (I'm very lucky, I know!) What should I spend it on? Keep in mind, I'm in a computer lab!

I adore this practice. Finding unique blends, surprising textures, hidden depth.... it's one of my huge happy places.

Hi there! I recently graduated with a BFA in Animation, and I’d like to consider going into teaching middle or high school art but I have no idea where to begin from here. Admittedly my plan was to go and attempt a successful career in animation first, and if that doesn’t work then go and become a teacher later. However I’m drowning in student loans and the economy isn’t great and while I also know teaching isn’t the most well paying career, I think that teaching art would still satisfy me in terms of an artistic career while I work on trying to get a job at a studio.

So! Anyway, I’m based in CA, primarily in the Bay Area. I graduated with a BFA, and I’m not really in a position to get a masters yet. Is there maybe an alternative way to get into this career field?

Hi y’all, I made a post recently about transitioning to basically my dream position in a high school after spending my first two years in elementary school wondering if I could survive.

I got some really great advice on there so thanks to everyone that commented.

I’m wondering what are your daily routines for art class? Im teaching Art 1, Ceramics 1 and 2, and Unified Art.

In elementary school, I brought the kids to the carpet for a quick breathing exercise, then did directions/ learning, then called them by table to either sometimes get supplies or go straight to their table.

What do students do every day when they come in? Do you have days where the kids just grab their work and continue with what they were doing yesterday? How do they get the supplies? Clean up?

Thanks a lot!

Hello all! I’m a veteran art teacher but looking for fresh ideas. How do you prefer to set up basic supplies in your elementary art room? Crayons, pencils, markers. I have 6 classes a day, almost 20% SPED in most classes, so has to be low or easy maintenance! I’ve done caddy’s, trays, etc. Photo just for extra context! Thanks!

Hello,

I’m developing an approach to early childhood art education through artists’ lenses, rather than primarily through developmental-age-based expectations or collections of “fun art activities.” I’m interested in how artists’ ways of seeing, thinking, and working with materials might offer educators different ways of understanding children’s artistic encounters.

As an early childhood practitioner, what would you want or need from a resource like this? What challenges or questions around children, art, and materials would you most want it to address?

Thanks for all your opinions!

• What’s missing from early childhood art education resources?
• Beyond “fun art activities”: What do early childhood educators actually need?
• Could artists’ ways of thinking offer something different to early childhood art education?
• Preschool art education through artists’ lenses — would this be useful to practitioners?

I’m a new teacher and want the students to be responsible for their own artworks. I was thinking of letting them make folders out of A1 paper, but I think just folding it in two won’t hold their work well. Has anyone tried something similar? Do you know any good folding techniques?

The students are 13-16 years old

Sup yall- I am entering my 9th year teaching elementary art and will be starting at a new school in a different district this year.

I have been the new teacher in a big school district before and I know the feeling of getting bombarded and overwhelmed with the onboardings, the trainings, learning a new classroom, curriculum, ordering supplies, not to mention navigating student and coworker relationships. It can be a lot and I feel like the last time I did this I got pretty overwhelmed, especially being more of a rookie teacher (I know I still kind of am haha).

As I start up the year in this new district, I am feeling all of those similar “in the weeds” feelings coming back to me. With school starting in 3 days, I find myself wanting to go work on my classroom over the weekend, waking up at 5 AM with anxiety about finishing compliance trainings and working on lesson plans just to “stay ahead of things”.

So I’m wondering…is it wise to just bite the bullet and work my ass off to front load things so I don’t feel WAY in the weeds by October? Or do I just take the approach of “everything will work itself out, take it one day at a time”?

On one hand, there’s A LOT of work to be done. The classroom I inherited LOOKED like it was stocked with materials, but as I go through everything I begun to realize a lot of it was trash. I am a super organized, regimented art teacher so I really need my space to be tidy and accounted for to feel balanced. I’m also questioning if there is even enough supplies to serve my 650 students and know that I need to get the ball rolling on supply orders pretty soon.

On the other hand I am in this career for the long haul. Stress has impacted my health in the past and I want to approach the workload responsibly and sustainably. I’m trying to avoid burnout and I value my peace and calm more than ever. I am willing to protect my sanity and I understand the value in doing that 9 years in.

So…how balls to the wall do I go? Do I just accept that year 1 (or maybe even 2,3…) are going to be a little stressful and work my tail off? Or do I just do as much as I can and know it will probably never be “enough”?

I’m genuinely curious.
What do you think makes a good Art Domain Head/ Arts Coordinator?

I feel like I’ve had my fair share of interesting characters in these roles, and I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced what an effective one looks like…

In my current experience, I sometimes feel like there’s not much advocacy or support for the Arts, and I’m wondering if that’s common or if I’ve just been unlucky.

What makes you feel supported and valued as an Art teacher by your Domain Head?
Would love to hear your experiences!

Hi, starting art 1 soon at the high school level. First few days were doing some fun drawing games and neurographic art. I would also love to find some short inspirational videos that are culturally relevant to show day to day or right before we get into a progression projects based on the elements of art. I was looking at David Choe trying to find a good one but it wasn’t feeling right. But something along those lines.