Fine arts teachers are amazing. I was in band in junior high and high school, and I never took any art classes, but I wish I could sneak into Ms. G’s high school and take her drawing class. Unfortunately, my gray hairs and complete ignorance of TikTok would probably give me away. Thank you, Ms. G, for inspiring kids to push themselves and embrace their creativity. And thank you for participating in my teacher interviews!
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A Note About These Interviews:
I taught seventh grade for almost twenty years and was constantly surprised at the difference between what friends, family, parents, neighbors, and community members imagined my job was like and what it actually was like. The few times I had the privilege of inviting a friend or family member to visit my classroom, they always left wide-eyed and exhausted. The purpose of these interviews is to allow the world a glimpse inside the lives of current educators. Now that I’ve quit teaching, I want to do what I can to support all the teachers still fighting the good fight, and I don’t want to forget what life is like inside a school.
All questions are optional. For confidentiality and privacy purposes, the name of the teacher’s school will not be published, and they may choose how they refer to themselves. (Full name, initials only, or even simply “Teacher.”) Participants have been asked to refrain from using student names or to change names.
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Interview With Ms. G:
- What is today’s date?
March 30, 2023 - How old are you?
51 - How many years (total) have you been teaching?
20 - In what city and state do you teach?
Buda, Texas - What is your current salary?
$67,000 - What grade(s) and subject(s) do you currently teach?
Art 1 and Art 2: Drawing
9th-12th grades - How many students do you teach total?
165, plus 22 in homeroom - How many conference periods do you have per day?
1 - If you teach multiple classes, how many students are in your smallest class and your largest class?
My drawing classes are smaller than Art 1. - Tell us about your day today.
I come in about an hour early because I’m more productive in the AM. My first class starts at 8:45. The kids are always late because of buses or traffic. I love teaching HS but the apathy is really high and it’s hard some days to get them motivated. Art 1 is a crazy class, because they all need a fine arts credit and I’m it!! I tell them they all need me to graduate so they have to do the assignments or they are not getting the credit. Works pretty well, about 90% pass the year. I really love my drawing classes, the kids do beautiful work and they all want to be there. Days are long but we make it through with music and humor. - What’s the best thing about being a teacher?
I love the kids and art is my passion so that helps. Watching them create is the best feeling ever. - What’s the hardest thing about being a teacher?
The other things that you deal with! I have a great team so we really help each other out. Admin, paperwork, and outside demands from parents are the worst. Also I have a life outside and it suffers sometimes. I teach where my kids go to school, so that can be interesting. - What one thing would make your job better? I’m sure there are many, but if you could choose only one, which would have the biggest impact?
A fine arts secretary to help with paper work! - How satisfied are you with your current job? (1 = not at all satisfied, 5 = very satisfied)
4 - As of right now, do you plan to continue teaching next year?
Yes, I have 5 years until retirement. Then I’m done!!
Teacher, I want to tell you something, and I want you to listen. You are amazing. You are creative and smart and hardworking and beautiful. You are valued by those who are paying attention, and you deserve so much more than you receive from society. You are a superhero, and the world is a better place with you in it. Thank you for everything you do for your students, your community, and your fellow teachers. I appreciate you and this glimpse into your world. ❤️
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If you are a current teacher who would like to be interviewed for my blog or if you know a teacher I should interview, contact me!
Carie Juettner 