I QUIT, RESIGN, GIVE UP, SURRENDER - WHATEVER
This afternoon I rang 6 local school and 2 private schools. I told them that I would like to teach textiles and as I don't have a degree was looking for a way in - a job at the school to then be able to train.... response - do you have a degree - *********...... what did I just say!!!!
How about I offer my time free to run an after school club in textiles, dressmaking etc - response --do you have teaching qualifications? ******.....what did I just say!!! I don't have the teaching qualifications but do have C&G certs, skills and many years of experience - response - Sorry we have no funding - *****.... I just said I'd work for free.
How about I run just one class so you could assess my skills and ability and see where it goes - response - sorry we would need to pay a qualified teacher to stay after school!and we don't have the insurance to use machines after school hours!!!!!!
How about I just visit your textiles students and show my work - free of charge? - response - we have more important things to be doing - national curriculum and all that!!!!!
I don't think I have ever spoken to so many short sighted, un-enthusiastic, (and in one case down right rude) heads of school in my life - no wonder our young people grow up lacking something!!! I would like to encourage our young people but OK I give up - I will just have to do my art for myself!!
Going off now to cry into my sketchbook. :-(((
14 comments:
Sorry to hear that you're running into so many brick walls. Hope you can find a ladder over them soon.
Oh my chicken I am sorry our having such a negative time. i am going to email yu privately, I will say you can come to my cassroom anytime, but it is a good old trek for you!
Couldn't you have an online class like so many people do?
Thanks for your comment. I gave up after finishing Part2 C&Gs and then doing the first part of the C&G teaching certificate. I tried v. hard with a local colleges help to get Sat and evening courses going, no interest. I then made my samples into bags etc and sold them. Good luck! Sorry to be negative.I think you have to know the right people.
There used to be a super organisation for textile and FT teachers - called NATHE. I used to do lots of INSET for them and they were always looking for people just like you. They ran big events which were hard work but huge fun. Then they merged with a more technology based crowd (DATA) and the textile bit seemed to vanish. They would have loved you. Come back NATHE we need you.
Hi Anna, hey, what about going to your local library and offering to run a holiday arts programme, then put notices in the schools to attract the kids? Now how does that saying go? Mmmmm, "DOWN, BUT NOT OUT!"
hugs, Carole
Hi Anna, It needs a lot of courage to do something like that, I think you are very brave!
Oh dear Anna. I've hit this wall before and it's a horrible place. Do you have a local art gallery? I got into teaching kids and adults through ours... offering my services for their Saturday art club which then lead to other opportunities once they saw how I worked. I now get placed in schools on various outreach projects that the art centre organises, but it's worked out that way through sideways steps rather than approaching schools directly ( the degree thing stopped me in my tracks too). If you've got a drive to share your talents with others please don't give up... it just might come in a different way.
Hi Anna,
One way into secondary schools, is to reply to an advert for teaching assistants, any subject. When you get the job..... then offer to do all the extras for them, fashion shows, helping with the displays in the school etc, etc. Then, when you are happy it is for you.... ask if you could train to do a Higher level teaching assistants course. This is where all the government funding is at the moment. I really wish you success.
Best wishes
Maggie
Anna, what about art centers that cater towards teaching certain topics? I know we have these in the states. I'm not sure if they have them in the UK. I would think so.
It really sounds quite frustrating!
:( finding a job is so difficult in the arts. It's enough to lower anyone's self confidence. Hang in there!
Anna don't despair, your work is so tremendous I feel sure online classes will be the answer.
love Jan x
Anna - I just came to look at your blog because of your e-mail. Come to the land of free enterprise - that'll show them. Although we have MANY shortcomings and my government makes me want to spit too - my buds and I have had a ball putting together our own Art Camp for Women. Actually I imagine you could do it right there. The problem with making money with art is that you then get to spend 10% of your time making art and 90% of your time running a business. My motto is this: If you never give up - you haven't failed. Thanks for your interest in our gig.
I just followed a link to your blog from Soul Journalers list and I'm taking Sharon B's course as well (funny how small craft world really is).
I'm not sure if you want to specifically teach school children or if you want to teach. Have you considered teaching older people - I occasionally see community groups/organizations seeking skilled people to teach adults. Of course I'm unable to find any examples at the moment - frustrating.
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