Pros
Best part of being an art teacher for AISD is the children. Art is the only time they can truly be themselves and express their feelings. Art is the time to discover who we are and communicate without worrying about mistakes or the boundaries of our imagination. It is a time to bloom, grow and feed our souls.
Cons
One of the biggest challenges I have experienced is keeping my student in the classroom to create their work. STARR testing has taken a priority over art. The teachers are stressed out and so worried about their performance and scores it takes the joy away for just being with our students.It saddens me to see some of the faces of the children and teachers during this time. Their is not joy or happiness in learning anymore.The training intense as well as the preparation for the children.There are some things like rallies and parades that we do to show that the entire school supports them, but very seldom do I see a smile.