Ms. Bowe's class greeted me in the hallway before our last class with these wonderful poster-sized cards. What a nice surprise! |
My fairy art mother alter- ego, expressing her feelings through interpretive dance. |
Fellowship and professional development with colleagues at the Philadelphia Art Teachers' Alliance- I'll miss you guys! |
Join me in looking
back at some
memorable moments
and lessons learned from the not-so-everyday life of this Philadelphia art teacher!
back at some
memorable moments
and lessons learned from the not-so-everyday life of this Philadelphia art teacher!
Unforgettable
Student Quotes:
You old. Not in a bad way, in a non-menopause way. (I was 24)
As a teacher of ages 5-16, I've found that
it's important to keep a sense of humor!
|
Me: (in a silly tone to a student)
I can't find my attendance binder. Do you know where my binder is? Did you steal it and eat it? Were you hungry?
Student: (Deadpan, completely serious & looking me in the eye)
No Ms. Van Allen, I don't eat that kind of stuff. It gives me a stomachache.
My favorite piece of graffiti from 2016: "we all love math" (written in pencil) |
Ms. Van Allen, you tickle my brain. You tickle my heart too. A 2nd grader's response to a silly comment that made her laugh
Words of wisdom: Invest in good-quality, comfortable shoes and always use insoles |
This is imaginary. You know, like Michael Jackson.
Whoah- Ms. Van Allen, your seating charts look like battle plans!
Wardrobe: an oversized button down shirt that has tiny typewriter-style letters scattered in a random pattern.
Setting: The main office
Student: (creeping closer to me as she squints at my shirt, she looks up and smiles) "Ms. V, you look like one giant word search!"
This wonderful student and I share an appreciation for punny wordplay |
Me: What is the meaning of the word 'original'?
Student: Plain!
Me: Hunh?
Student: You know, like original potato chips!
Words of Gratitude:
Tip: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you give students a way to be positively recognized they will take you up on your offer! |
Christine Enedy- for all your support and having patience with me as a very green and starry-eyed new teacher. I would have been lost without your support!
Tessie Varthas & Emilee Taylor- In a district big enough to really make you feel like a number, you made me feel special. I don't know how, but you both remembered my full name, where I used to teach, and my strengths every time we met. Your unwavering support kept me from giving up when times got tough!
My twin brother- just ask our students, they know! |
Rasheed Clark- My long-lost twin brother (Mom's from China & Dad's from Uzbekistan) and my personal version of Luther the Anger Translator (link is unedited), your unwavering support and our shared sense of humor & classroom style have helped keep me going since the days of Captain Ankle Pants, Jeffy-Poo and FiFi. Sorry to leave you as the last man standing, but 'scuze me- can I ask you a question?
When an angry student breaks the phone off the wall, a good friend is someone who fixes the problem by turning it into a work of art! |
Ginna (NEWSOME!) D'Alba-
I miss having you in my kiln room/your office. Good friends are a rare treasure and finding one of my best friends through work was a wonderful adventure. Thank you for everything- especially fixing my phone & turning it into a site-specific installation piece! The question "where do you keep your duct tape?" will never have quite the same meaning again.
Don't be afraid to get a little wacky, it keeps the students on their toes! |
Deb Klose- Thank you for showing your faith in me through your actions and always being in the art teachers' corner!
Ivy Lewis- You were the first Principal in the PSD that encouraged me to push my practice to the next level. Thank you.
My Rhodes Family- Never forget that all of the energy and time that you put into your work is worth it. What you do is not easy and each one of you earns your weekends, but I have seen the impact that you have made on every single child in our care. Please remember that you are making a difference every time you show a student that they are valued, even if sometimes they behave as if they don't believe it. Take care of yourselves and thank you for your understanding and respect in regards to what I do with our students in the art room.
Dr. Andrea Coleman-Hill- It takes a true leader to know when to let that teacher do his or her own thing. Thank you for trusting me and giving me what I needed to succeed for the past three years.
My Rhodes Family- Never forget that all of the energy and time that you put into your work is worth it. What you do is not easy and each one of you earns your weekends, but I have seen the impact that you have made on every single child in our care. Please remember that you are making a difference every time you show a student that they are valued, even if sometimes they behave as if they don't believe it. Take care of yourselves and thank you for your understanding and respect in regards to what I do with our students in the art room.
Over the last three years you have earned my love and respect. I took a chance in letting you know about my departure almost two months in advance because it was the right thing to do. I wanted to give you some closure because I've seen how it affects you when adults leave without warning. I was honest and up-front about my reasons for leaving, and you repaid me with good questions, kindness, and understanding. You took this opportunity to once again show me why I come to work every day with a smile. As you move on with your lives, I ask you to do one thing: live your lives with respect. When you speak and act with respect it will come back to you through the actions of others. Do this because you are worth it. I believe that you are, and you should too.
What is one of your favorite memories from the art room?
Share with me by commenting below, please include your name so I know who you are!
*All students pictured gave consent through guardian-signed photo releases*
Good Luck! :-)
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