Teaching Philosophy

I believe all young learners are artists. I believe all young learners want to succeed. I believe in teaching fundamental skills to young learners: seeing, drawing, conceptual development, and voice. These skills enrich each other to produce a perceptive, creative individual. Art instruction must be firmly grounded in giving students a voice to express that which words cannot.

In the current educational landscape, it is evident that students are deeply immersed in a visual culture, where they encounter a plethora of images, self-expression, and cultural diversity. This era is characterized by a reliance on visual mediums such as television, video, and the internet, with children anticipating enrichment of their lives and understanding of cultures through these channels. However, the concept of "visual" extends beyond mere sight. Visual representations often engage viewers on multiple sensory levels, prompting physical, emotional, and cognitive responses. Therefore, art transcends mere observation, inviting individuals to immerse themselves in a holistic experience where boundaries between self and object become blurred.

Art education in the public school system is an integral component of the k-12 curriculum (https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/38576/how-integrating-arts-into-other-subjects-makes-learning-come-alive) providing the student with multiple opportunities for collaboration, observation, global awareness strategies, development of social justice and equity, problem recognition and solving, and creative and critical thinking.  Immersing the student in their visual culture promotes sensory perception and the ability to communicate visually.  Art sensitizes students to the physical and emotional environments around them, promoting a deeper awareness of their shared culture.

My art classroom is student centered, where lessons are crafted based on student culture. The foundation of my instruction centers on the constructivist philosophy, encouraging students to interact collaboratively to create knowledge and meaning.  I believe that children learn best from authentic experience, active involvement, and manipulation of media. This creates an atmosphere of freedom in the classroom, encourages individual expression, and promotes community.  Learning in my class takes the form of hands on, project based experiences centered on the learners. These experiences provide young learners the opportunity to encounter authentic tasks steeped in understanding, analyzing, questioning, synthesizing and evaluating. Because my classroom regards the student as the artist, learning must take place in an environment of mutual respect, comfort, and understanding. This requires an atmosphere where students feel that mistakes are acceptable and are a normal part of the learning process. A child who feels comfortable and accepted in a classroom is a child whose behavior will not be a problem. 

My classroom is a safe space for all children, especially those who need a space to just be themselves. My art classroom promotes acceptance, compassion, diversity, and holistic thinking, while promoting individual choice, to amplify learner's voices. 

In summary: I believe in holistic learning, compassion, social justice, social equity, and second chances. I believe that teaching is about building authentic, meaningful relationships with students. I believe that the arts can reach and engage all children. I believe in the power of art.