My teaching philosophy is that learning is a lifelong, collaborative process. Learning is a journey, and it should be fun, not a chore. I want my students to feel confident taking on academic challenges. I love learning about all subjects, and I strive to model a genuine curiosity and passion for learning so that my students can start to see themselves as lifelong learners as well.
Another major component of my teaching philosophy is advocating for art education. I believe that art is essential to the learning process. The benefits of art for students are numerous. Art can be therapeutic for students with special needs. Art can reach the student who is struggling in other classes. Art is an expressive outlet for the student who has experienced hardships. It only makes sense that art should be legitimized as a career option for all students since the world around us is becoming more visual every day. Even in professions that are not primarily art-based, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential. I aim to teach these skills by exposing my students to a variety of artists, cultures, concepts, techniques, and mediums.
Most importantly, I strive to create a safe learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds and with various needs. Building trusting relationships with my students is my biggest priority. The other key part is to create a sense of community amongst the students so they feel comfortable with each other.In this environment, students can feel safe and supported taking risks, making personally meaningful art, and engaging in class discussions about art. This approach also emphasizes the idea that learning is a collaborative process.
A typical unit in my classroom looks something like this: students are challenged to think critically about art, usually in groups. They answer questions about artists, their artwork, the audience, and the world at the time the art was made. The strategy is used in order to expose them to the unique perspectives of their peers and building their confidence for forming their own ideas about art. After class discussion, students begin working on their own art. They are given creative freedom to explore the materials and make independent choices with support and guidance. As they advance in their abilities, they are challenged with more complex topics and more creative freedom.
Beyond my own classroom, I strive to build relationships with my colleagues in other content areas. Collaboration between subjects deepens student learning, and it reinforces the idea that learning is a group effort.
Artistic expression fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential to success in modern society. As an art educator, it is my responsibility to legitimize art as a career choice for all of my students. Some of them are meant to work in creative fields. Some are meant to become artists. My goal is to teach them the necessary skills to continue their creative journey.