Ellen Currans on tue 14 oct 08
I've been enjoying all the posts on teaching and creativity. and going
"Yes! Yes! Yes!. What a source of inspiration we have on hand in
Clayart.
I think a edited book by Mel of all the good suggestions offered by our
Clayart members (and his own experience) would be a wonderful gift to
new young teachers.
Not just the good ways teachers have taught but the also the ways
students have learned from one special teacher. Nils and John Post
and Kelly and Joyce, and all the many others who have experienced what
real teaching can be, could send in their personal stories of what
really works. It would be a gift to young persons teaching the arts,
but also to any young teacher struggling with trying to make a
difference in the current mob scene that passes for many schools.
Mel's story reminds me of my brother who taught Metal Shop for 32 years
in a town in the middle of a large agricultural area. He had most of
the tough kids in his classes and he had strict rules, but he allowed
them to really work on real machines. Every year he added to the shop
by scouting out good buys from other industries, and most of his kids
could go right into a job out of high school when they left his
classes. Those that farmed knew how to fix their machinery and cars
and build things. The local Jr. college wanted him to come and set up
a shop and teach for them, and he said no - they need me more at the
High
School. He went down the halls talking to everyone and hugging those
that needed hugs (which would get him fired today probably) but he knew
who was having a hard time and needed his support. He worked in
Kiwanis and the Civil Air Patrol and drove the girl's basketball team
to games, and to this day his students come back to visit. He can't
walk down the streets of town without running into students or grateful
parents. He has never stopped being useful in his community.
So, Mel, after the kiln book, how about a book (same format) on the
nitty gritty of real teaching?
Ellen
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