Makes it worth it!!!

So, yesterday, the real meaning of the life of Rivertree Art was to plant trees whose shade we will not have the privilege to enjoy. Today, the shade was briefly enjoyed from some 'seedlings' from one of last year's classes.

I have the absolute joy (and it REALLY is joy) of teaching an AP Studio Art class at 7:00 AM at my school to advanced art students. Their commitment must obviously be high for that hour of the day! This class has been my privilege for the last five years and the students' scores have steadily risen in those years to finally include a score of five from a student this year. I share this as, not a pat on the back, but a reminder to me of the great Grace that allows me to be a teacher.

First of all, as explanation for the uninformed, AP students submit exams (in Studio Art's case, a portfolio of advanced level work) at the end of the school year to AP Central, the governing board of all AP level classes around the US. The scores in Studio Art are determined by "readers" - college professors and/or High School Art Instructors who have completed a training course to score. Seven "readers" are assigned to each portfolio (which includes about 25 works of art) and they "read" several hundred portfolios in the course of scoring. Scores range from 1 - 5 (maybe 6 in art) and colleges will use this score to assess the level of ability each student has in a given subject to place them appropriately in their first college classes. A student must receive at least a three to be considered for special placement in college. My students from the last three years have received threes and one four. This year, a five is added and I am humbled. I delight in seeing all of their gifts mature and grow. Thus the shade...and to complete the metaphor, it is my desire to stay in the shadow (shade) of the One Who gave each of them their wonderful Gift.