When I began teaching in the public school system in 1999, I couldn't have landed a better job. At the time, I was doing temporary work and singing everywhere that I possibly could. I had never been interested in teaching even though my mother had wanted me to pursue it but I guess I was fated to try my hand at it so I got the call. Literally, got a call.
I was told that a school needed a teacher under the initiative of Project Arts and so I was off. I was split between two schools and though it was the hardest thing I had ever done at that time, I was in love. All day I got to do music any way I wanted and got to share it!
As time went on things changed.
More and more testing came into play and less and less emphasis on creating a whole child. They got rid of Project Arts and slowly started to back off the programs.
I was fortunate for a while because my principal was a strong advocate for the arts and arts programs. She always made sure the children were exposed and she supported us cultivating whatever their interests were.
Now...
