I am volunteering at Billy’s school teaching art.  There is an art teacher in the district, but he can’t be at all of the elementary schools at the same time.  So we have an art program that is run by volunteers.  I got my background check, fingerprints and photo id all done.  I went to mandatory volunteer training.  So this week was my first week in the classroom teaching art with another parent.  The teacher stayed during the class.  I didn’t mind that she was there until she interjected herself into our lesson.    Instead of allowing us to run the classroom, I guess she felt she had to do it for us.  This is Billy’s teacher so I definitely don’t want to step on any toes.  It was just awkward that she stayed.  The kids were more reserved because she was there.  She is pretty strict and for some teachers that works.  When I taught school that wasn’t my style not with kids and not with adults.  Art should be fun and the kids shouldn’t have to worry that their actions could possibly get them in trouble with their teacher.  Obviously I am talking about minor infractions. Kids nowadays are drilled and drilled so the school will meet the adequate yearly progress which Billy’s school has, but learning should also be fun.  Kids are going to remember the lessons that were fun and interesting, but still taught them reading, math, etc…  I asked the question to the coordinator if the teacher had to be in the room. The answer is yes even though the district personnel director said otherwise.  I don’t have a problem with the teacher being in the classroom, but now that I have raised the question I don’t want to be one of those parents. I just want to volunteer to help with my son’s school.  I have no ulterior motives. I certainly don’t want to teach elementary school. I like teaching adult basic education and GED courses.   I just want the kids to have some fun for 40 minutes every other week in art before they have to go back to the serious side of academics.