Lessons from My First Year in the Classroom

Today I officially wrapped up my first full year of teaching after the last several of major life upheavals¹ and I’m not sure which of us learned more in the process, the students, or myself.

My classroom at the start of August 2023, barely set up with a scant week and a half to prepare for students due to construction in the building.

At times, it felt like the learning curve was straight up.

And at other times, I had the total peace and surety that I’m in the right place, the place God wants me to be in.

I’ve heard many, many teachers talking about how stressed they are, how burnt out, how exhausted, and while I do find myself tired after 40 weeks of school, I find myself wishing that I’d had another couple weeks with my students. This week, especially, felt far too short. Over too quickly. My students were handing in their artwork one moment, and then, they were gone.

Graduation last week was something else.

Somehow, when I leapt with both feet into education, I missed the fact that I had signed up to be at every graduation ceremony and class promotion from here on out. I had to laugh when I realized it; the focus in my degree program is so heavy on the day-to-day teaching experience that we forget there are moments of celebration, too. It was surreal to walk into that gymnasium, and see students I have taught walk that stage.

And it was... Humbling.

This is our future. These kids are stepping into adulthood, off to create ripples of influence in whatever community they find themselves in. It's a big responsibility, for us who are in charge of equipping them. I have been reflective in the moments since: while I am incredibly lucky and blessed to teach what I love and inspire these young minds, how can I grow as a teacher, to give those with an artist's call the best of my multi-disciplinary knowledge hoard? How can I best instill in others the appreciation for the arts in a way that transcends the carnal messaging so prevalent in our world?

Beyond those personal concerns lies the understanding: those ripples of influence don't start with the next generation, they begin with us.

What a privilege that is.

My classroom, 5 June 2024, after having said goodbye to my students for the summer.

Some of my biggest take-aways this year:

• Calendars/planners are indispensable for lesson planning

• Setting up a “Monday Roundup” style presentation with slides students can view is great for making sure everyone knows what’s going on in class

• If you try to plan your entire year of curriculum in one go, you’ll go nuts

• Learning is a journey — for you and for them

• One of the best feelings is when you ‘pass the test’ and your students think you’re alright

• One of the worst feelings is when one of your students is going through something hard

• One of the proudest moments is when a student who has struggled all year, pulls a total 180 to make a massive win in class

• The greatest experience is giving a well-earned “I’m proud of you” to a kid who clearly never thought they’d ever hear it

• The most amazing thing to hear is “Ms. Stearns, thank you for making class so much fun” or “I hope I can have you as my art teacher every year until I graduate.” You know you’re doing something right when your classroom becomes the favored hangout spot.

Today I began the process of really rearranging my room and making it my own, and I’m already dreaming for the fall. Things I want to change, things I want to incorporate, how to best serve these growing young creatives.

It’s going to be amazing.

1. Moving cities, starting over from scratch after fleeing an 18-year abusive marriage, navigating divorce, getting my children transitioned from homeschooling to public education, moving houses, pursuing my own higher level education…. just to name a few….