Part Three - Professional Responsibility: The educator demonstrates ability to thoughtfully describe, critically analyze, and insightfully reflect upon readiness for professional responsibility.
Interpretation of Theme & Reflection of Personal Learning:
The theme for Part Three is: Professional Responsibility which includes professional learning and ethical practice as well as leadership and collaboration. These standards ensure that the educator leads their practice in an ethical and professional manner, while pledging to continually learn as the profession advances.
Standard 10.1 states: The educator is prepared to collaborate with stakeholders (such as learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, or community members) to ensure student learning. One of my take aways from my student teaching experience was that being the only educator of a discipline in a school building can be a lonely position and all too common because there is often only one art teacher per building. I treasure the chance to collaborate with both of my mentor teachers and plan to seek similar collaborative opportunities once placed in my own classroom by continuing my connections with VATA and other district art educators. Similarly, I understand the importance of making connections within a school building and forming working relationships with school colleagues as well as family and community members.
Standard 9.1 states: The educator is prepared for self-directed, continuous professional learning. Attending district art educator meetings and being a part of organizations such as the Vermont Art Teacher Association (VATA) and the National Art Education Association (NAEA) are incredibly helpful ways of connecting to and sharing with professionals. Not only can like-minded professionals share curriculum ideas but they can also help reflect on teaching plans before introducing new material to students. My evidence for these standards are examples of my participation in such groups and gatherings. Future plans for my involvement in local organizations will be to become part of the VATA board and continue district art educator meetings once I obtain a teaching position. I know I have much to learn and spending time with art education professionals is an important part of my journey.
Only after completing my graduate degree did I realize that research can be an incredibly rewarding experience. I was highly encouraged by my professors to further my research on which I had centered my thesis. Standard 10.2 states: The educator is prepared to advance the profession through advocacy, leadership, and/or action research. By accepting the opportunity to present my thesis work at NAEA on two different occasions, I am gaining the confidence around the idea of being a leader in the field of art education. Future plans include presenting at the 2021 NAEA Convention, writing my thesis for publication, and continuing to gather resources for art educators.