Teacher Tip
Experiences of a Traveling Art Teacher
By Annie Peters
Art Educator and Sculpture Artist
Grand Valley Local Schools
Orwell, Ohio
After teaching at one high school for many years, my school district asked me to travel to a second school during part of the day to handle an increase in enrollment. My "art room" became the band room, or the science lab, or the study hall. My experience as a traveling art teacher forced me to become super organized for the sake of my sanity and survival.
My car became my office. I kept my supplies for each school separate using a color code system. I color-coded my bins, my art bags, and my student display identification tags. Due to time constraints, when students finished projects, I had them prepare their works to be display-ready. The color-coded name tags they attached already listed their school and my name. I insisted that my students write their names, grades, and class sections on everything.
Because I was often sharing a classroom, I attached all of my lessons to poster board. I would then attach these posters to the chalk or dry erase board of each classroom using magnetic clips. I prepared lessons for each individual school. I kept these "Info Boards" in a large, color-coded portfolio.
As a traveling art teacher, I learned that flexibility and a good sense of humor will always get you through the day. No matter how it all plays out, there will always be that student who drops the jar of paint. Hopefully, you have that extra roll of paper towels in your color-coded art bag that day!