So I went to a great workshop a couple of weeks ago.  There are these new things we have to do - mandated by the state - and the questions we have are not being answered.  As arts teachers, we have a great deal to worry about.  We are seen as expendable and must do all we can to justify our programs' existence.  My district is one of the few that views arts cuts as a last resort and has not put them into action.  However, with new leadership coming, you never know what can happen....

With that, I was excited to share what I learned at this workshop.  My supervisor was too, once I let her know what I got from it.  I sent copies of the documents and model paperwork to all the other art and performing art teachers with a note to each.  My supervisor and I presented it to the curriculum director.  We were all happy with what I got out of the workshop.

Yesterday, I told my fellow teachers about it in a department meeting.  This stuff cleared up so many questions we all had - questions that no one (district, other teachers in the field) could answer because the state had no clue.  I was psyched.  I was helping my co-workers!

It landed with a thud.  The rudeness, indifference, and thanklessness was deafening.....  I should not have been surprised.  No matter how anyone treats me, I continue to try to present ways to help them and the department.  But the lack of a "thank you" or "this helps a lot" or anything bothered me.  As I said at the beginning of speaking, we do not know what we will get with a new superintendent.  This person might deal with different quality work from other districts.  The SGO's I shared were phenomenal.  Why wouldn't anyone be happy to have that given to them as a template?

We don't have to be chums, but we can be respectful colleagues.  Ten plus years of this....  I will keep striving for the best evaluations and performance and results in my classroom, share with those who are appreciative, and teach my students enthusiastically.  However, yesterday added to the list...

Do I dare touch on the response to reviving the Art History program?  Nah.....