Last day as a Graphics Intstructor. :(

Matt Grunau

Matt Grunau

Adobe Demigod
Tomorrow will be my last day at my job. I have taught computer Graphics (photoshop) Computer illustration (illustrator), video production (After Effect & Premiere focusing on shooting technique and story telling), and Animation (basic modeling, texturing, and animating in Lightwave).

I graduated from the same school I taught, and was hired the term after I graduated. I got into it initially, because being a private/secondary art and computer tech school, they paid well. I soon came to really enjoy teaching, watching the lights go on in a students eyes when they "got it", and seeing their art grow as they became more technically proficient.

It was hard enough when the 6th termers finished their schooling and left (lot's of friendships build in 18 months) and now the whole thing ends.

Leaving any job can be hard, but usually it is because people have found better work. Not for me here, I loved teaching, loved helping kids learn their art, and because the school couldn't get enough kids enrolled, the place had to shut down. I never thought I would get bit by the teaching bug, but I did, and after tomorrow, I won't teach anymore, and wont even be able to. I can't move on to the other schools in the area, there aren't many that have the level of education we did, not even WVU. I only have a Speciallized Associates degree, which the other schools won't accept for their facult. It's Bachelors at the least to teach.

I had the joy of some really great students go through, it's a damn shame it's ended.

Tomorrow will be a hard day.
 
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Damn, sorry to hear that. I know it must be amazing to teach people and inspire young people to pursue their dreams. Kudos to you! It's also unfortunate that schools like that need to close down...closing good oppurtunities for the next generation.

A toast for a good run...


:beer:
 
So sorry to hear that Rapier. It is clear you love to teach. All us knuckleheads learnin PS from you on the tutorial your handling know it. Why don't you start up your own school? I'm sure there are grants you could get to help. Maybe try the national endowment for the arts. Not sure if that would support a school but it's worth a shot. Also, have you heard of animation mentor? Maybe you could start your own version and teach over the internet with webcams and such. I'd sign up for an after effects course. And I'm sure you'd have a base here to start with. You already have a bunch following your PS tutorial.
 
I teach some too, and I know exactly what you mean. Your skill is impressive, though, even without the BA. It's a "who you know" thing from here.

As far as setting up your own school, that might be hard if you are trying to get accredited, but what about going the professional (rather than academic) route? Hang a shingle somewhere and hold classes? Much different dynamic, especially with student relationships (one shot versus two years), as well as the motivation (real-world needs, versus academic training). But it can have other rewards.

Anyway, whichever route(s) you decide on, you'll be great in it, Rapier.
 
Rapier,

I didn't realize you were a professional teacher, but I should have known, you are wonderful at it.

I used to teach a screenwriting class and I really miss it. It is very satisfying to share something you love with others.

Thanks for all you have taught me here,

Chris
 
Well now that you are no longer teaching, you can do! Make more money doing what you like perhaps?
 
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