My Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, I believe the most important question we can ask ourselves is, “What do we want our students to know?”
Art is a vehicle towards growth and transformation. The most important life lessons are learned through art and art making. My goal as a teacher is to prepare my students for the world in which they live. By being able to communicate, explore and interact with the world in a visual manner my students will be better prepared to live in, discern and change the world.
Art helps students develop the skills necessary to overcome obstacles. In the safe realm of an art room, students can make mistakes, they can explore and turn those mistakes into victories. I want to facilitate a mindset of flexibility and critical thinking in my classroom. Individuals need resilience, flexibility and persistence in order to be successful. These qualities can be achieved and reinforced in the art room.
Creative thinking is the key to making positive change in the world. In order for the next generation to lead us, they must possess innovation. Through exploration and choices, students begin to see the possibility in both themselves and the world. Being able to foster that is key. I want my students to look around them and ask the question, “What can I do with this?” When students see the world through a lens of transformation they see possibilities they never knew existed. Supply students with the materials, techniques and guidance then let them create. The power to create is a force that emboldens, empowers and energizes students. The more experiences students have, where they say, “I can do it!” the more they will see themselves as powerful agents of change for themselves and for the world in which they live. In the art room, this happens on a daily basis.
Art is the only discipline where all other disciplines are applied. In order to be a great artist, you need to understand, study and apply math, science, physics, reading, engineering, technology, writing and literacy (just to name a few). Add to that patience, organization, a certain amount of confidence and a degree of defiance. Art is an arduous, labor intensive, physically and mentally challenging endeavor. It is through the struggle in creating that we learn. Art challenges us in ways that no other discipline can. Art is interdisciplinary without even trying
Art is a language. Children have a lot to say about themselves, their experiences and the world around them. We need to listen. In my art room, students will have a space to express, explore and discover themselves. I respect children. Their opinions matter. By listening to my students and finding their personal interests, I will direct the art-making process. My curriculum will be built around my student’s needs. The beautiful thing about art is that there is a place for all learners. Each student brings their experiences, strengths and personality into the classroom. As an art teacher I want to present challenges to my students and let them wrestle with the big ideas. Being flexible as a teacher, seeing what works and what doesn’t, listening and adjusting the lesson to accommodate for all my students is key. The qualities that are important for my students to learn are important for me as a teacher to possess. Flexibility, innovation, resilience, empathy, and creative thinking are necessary to be a good responsive teacher.
As a teacher, I believe the most important question we can ask ourselves is, “What do we want our students to know?”
Art is a vehicle towards growth and transformation. The most important life lessons are learned through art and art making. My goal as a teacher is to prepare my students for the world in which they live. By being able to communicate, explore and interact with the world in a visual manner my students will be better prepared to live in, discern and change the world.
Art helps students develop the skills necessary to overcome obstacles. In the safe realm of an art room, students can make mistakes, they can explore and turn those mistakes into victories. I want to facilitate a mindset of flexibility and critical thinking in my classroom. Individuals need resilience, flexibility and persistence in order to be successful. These qualities can be achieved and reinforced in the art room.
Creative thinking is the key to making positive change in the world. In order for the next generation to lead us, they must possess innovation. Through exploration and choices, students begin to see the possibility in both themselves and the world. Being able to foster that is key. I want my students to look around them and ask the question, “What can I do with this?” When students see the world through a lens of transformation they see possibilities they never knew existed. Supply students with the materials, techniques and guidance then let them create. The power to create is a force that emboldens, empowers and energizes students. The more experiences students have, where they say, “I can do it!” the more they will see themselves as powerful agents of change for themselves and for the world in which they live. In the art room, this happens on a daily basis.
Art is the only discipline where all other disciplines are applied. In order to be a great artist, you need to understand, study and apply math, science, physics, reading, engineering, technology, writing and literacy (just to name a few). Add to that patience, organization, a certain amount of confidence and a degree of defiance. Art is an arduous, labor intensive, physically and mentally challenging endeavor. It is through the struggle in creating that we learn. Art challenges us in ways that no other discipline can. Art is interdisciplinary without even trying
Art is a language. Children have a lot to say about themselves, their experiences and the world around them. We need to listen. In my art room, students will have a space to express, explore and discover themselves. I respect children. Their opinions matter. By listening to my students and finding their personal interests, I will direct the art-making process. My curriculum will be built around my student’s needs. The beautiful thing about art is that there is a place for all learners. Each student brings their experiences, strengths and personality into the classroom. As an art teacher I want to present challenges to my students and let them wrestle with the big ideas. Being flexible as a teacher, seeing what works and what doesn’t, listening and adjusting the lesson to accommodate for all my students is key. The qualities that are important for my students to learn are important for me as a teacher to possess. Flexibility, innovation, resilience, empathy, and creative thinking are necessary to be a good responsive teacher.