Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy will revolve around a student-centered approach focusing on empowering, self-expression, building confidence, fostering critical thinking, and creating a safe, inclusive space for exploration. To use art as a tool for personal discovery, problem-solving, and connecting with the world through contemporary art that will honor all art students.
As an educator, I will lead by example, encouraging experimentation with diverse media, integrating art history and contemporary, emphasizing the journey and process, not just the final “ process over product”.
I aim to promote lifelong learning and a lasting passion for art through personal practice and curiosity. I intend to act as a guide, sharing my passion for art and its creation. I believe art is a journey of individual discovery where a student's voice and unique perspective are paramount. Art has the power to build empathy, cultural understanding, emotional intelligence, and vital life skills. I carefully curate my classroom environment in a way that is non-judgmental, where students feel seen, safe, honored, and celebrated in their creativity. This is reflective of individual student identity and helps them feel safe to explore and take risks in a supportive environment where "play" is encouraged. I promote inquiry, encourage questioning, investigation, and deeper understanding through art, creating a collaborative studio environment where students contribute, collaborate, and learn from each other through constructive feedback, critiques, and reflection.
My core values will promote empathy & acceptance: Using art to understand others, fostering tolerance and fairness, and providing equitable opportunities for all learners to succeed. It is my responsibility to teach self-direction and ownership of one's learning. Be an advocate and champion the importance of arts education within the school and community.
As an art teacher, it is my job not to assess student artwork but to assess student learning. I see it as my duty to counter education systems built on “neo Liberalism" accountability and testing that cause harm with authentic formative and summative assessment. I employ meaningful pedagogical strategies, anchored in national core standards of Connecting, responding, creating, and presenting.
I focus on holistic student growth with a thematic approach, blending technical skill building and proficiency with conceptual development and creativity. My goal is to unlock each student's innate creativity, guiding them to become independent thinkers who see art as a powerful tool for self-discovery and communication. When a student of mine leaves the classroom, they should possess a blend of foundational knowledge, versatile practical skills, and core professional values essential for thriving as an artist that will arm them with the necessary tools to prepare them in adult life to become a contributing member of society.