Mrs. Scalan's Teaching Philosophy

I believe in relationships first and strive to build a classroom community where all my learners can feel safe and see themselves represented through the artists, cultures, and art I share with them.   My students are able to embrace their identity and express themselves through their individual art.   My art classroom is a place where students are guided to become independent thinkers. They become intrinsically motivated learners who can develop their own ideas with creativity.  Students in my classes develop valuable 21st-century skills and behaviors such as problem-solving, experimentation, critical thinking, persistence, creativity, innovation, and technology.   I balance teacher-led instruction of skills and concepts with student voice through creative choice. They are challenged that failure is not the end, but is how they learn.   My classroom is a place where children can safely learn, grow, and explore.   Nothing brings me more joy than seeing my students’ art shine as a symbol of who they are as individuals.