As an art educator, I have both the opportunity and responsibility to teach students how to become safe and responsible consumers and creators of the visual culture society that we live in. My philosophy of teaching embraces the understanding of the importance of the individual in their educational journey, as well as the impact that a sound art education can have on a community.
I have taken a progressive approach in designing curriculum that teaches the modern student in terms they can identify with and relate to, focusing on the individual as the center of their own education. Art class should serve to empower students and help them to discover what they value in themselves. Designing lessons around student interests and enhancing their ability to make creative decisions allows for further engagement in course material and a deeper level of solidifying knowledge.
Additionally, I have been greatly influenced by postmodern education movements that work to ensure that teaching is a socially responsible act that furthers a greater appreciation for diversity and global awareness in our classrooms. This is why I feel it is crucial that students learn about art content from a variety of cultures, time periods and artists of all different backgrounds.
For the past two years, I have taught fourth and fifth grade visual art students using a Teaching for Artistic Behavior (T.A.B., or Choice-Based) philosophy. This method works to instill studio habits, such as planning, persevering and reflecting throughout the creative process. I believe that in an art room, students learn best through guided discovery and not repetitive or simple step-by-step prompts for creation. My role as a teacher will be to give them the tools and foundational knowledge to explore who they are as students and who they can become as artists. Establishing a mutual respect from student and teacher is essential to creating an art classroom that operates as a safe space for students to explore, discover, learn and create.
I understand that not every student will fall in love with art the way I have, but I do believe that each and every individual can find something valuable in the experiences that creating and learning about art has to offer. My overarching goal as an art educator is to inspire students to think beyond their preconceived notions of their own potential, and to make them more aware of the visual and artistic world around them.
I have taken a progressive approach in designing curriculum that teaches the modern student in terms they can identify with and relate to, focusing on the individual as the center of their own education. Art class should serve to empower students and help them to discover what they value in themselves. Designing lessons around student interests and enhancing their ability to make creative decisions allows for further engagement in course material and a deeper level of solidifying knowledge.
Additionally, I have been greatly influenced by postmodern education movements that work to ensure that teaching is a socially responsible act that furthers a greater appreciation for diversity and global awareness in our classrooms. This is why I feel it is crucial that students learn about art content from a variety of cultures, time periods and artists of all different backgrounds.
For the past two years, I have taught fourth and fifth grade visual art students using a Teaching for Artistic Behavior (T.A.B., or Choice-Based) philosophy. This method works to instill studio habits, such as planning, persevering and reflecting throughout the creative process. I believe that in an art room, students learn best through guided discovery and not repetitive or simple step-by-step prompts for creation. My role as a teacher will be to give them the tools and foundational knowledge to explore who they are as students and who they can become as artists. Establishing a mutual respect from student and teacher is essential to creating an art classroom that operates as a safe space for students to explore, discover, learn and create.
I understand that not every student will fall in love with art the way I have, but I do believe that each and every individual can find something valuable in the experiences that creating and learning about art has to offer. My overarching goal as an art educator is to inspire students to think beyond their preconceived notions of their own potential, and to make them more aware of the visual and artistic world around them.