Langley K-8 Pittsburgh, PA Pittsburgh Public School System Art Classes: grades 4-8, taught 16 classes multiple times in a six-day rotation, class size average of 30 students, 40 minute classes Co-op Teacher: Sue Carlin ([email protected]) Principal: Rodney Necciai
My second student teaching placement was at Pittsburgh Langley K-8, which was located in the West End of Pittsburgh. During my eight-weeks at the school, I took over all grades and classes by the end of my placement adding a grade or two per week. Developing curriculum needed to follow the new Pittsburgh standards, but I was able to take my own twist on how the different terms and topics of focus were presented to the students. As part of my Penn State requirements, we needed to introduce the students to contemporary artists. I tried to relate the artists to the city of Pittsburgh, or show students new cultures. This school was just established as a K-8 school the previous year, with six art teachers coming and going throughout the year. This was my co-op's first year as the full time teacher in this placement. Developing a curriculum and establishing the art room was the main focus for this school because art was not really a presence in the students curriculum the previous year. The classroom size was very large which created many opportunities for students to get off task, so having two teachers in the classroom worked very well for classroom management and getting around to each students, every class. My goal was to create curriculum that would be interesting to the students and allow them to explore through various art making processes. During my second placement, I was able to explore a few different schools while attending meetings. I was also able to venture around the city more and see some new museums and art centers. The organization of the classroom was one of my main focuses and making sure the classroom as a third teacher was as efficient as possible. Take a look at the various lessons that I taught to fourth-eighth grade students. along with domain evidence during the eight weeks, that I was at my second placement.