Ms. Yoder-Visual Arts
Educational Philosophy
My job as an educator is to provide students with opportunities to become critical thinkers, give them space to explore new ideas, skills, and perspectives, and allow them a chance to apply what they have learned to the real world around them. This will enable them to have a better understanding of themselves and their communities. Art is a tool to express what they are learning and discovering; it is not just about the technical skills they gain but they ways in which they are able to communicate their own thoughts and interpret and respond to the thoughts and ideas of others.
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
-Pablo Picasso
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." -Edgar Degas
About me
This is my seventh year teaching art. My first five years were in Baltimore City Public Schools and the last two at Douglass. Prior to being a teacher, I worked in social work - focusing on foster, group home, and homeless youth. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in both visual arts and sociology from the University of Northern Colorado. In addition, I have a Master of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon. My classes often combine my knowledge gained from both art and sociology by using our art to better understand our society and how to actively participate in it.
Stepping Outside the Classroom
It is important that students are provided opportunities to explore artistic endeavors outside the classroom. This can include being a part of the yearbook staff, attending local and state wide competitions, or attending one of the art centered clubs after school.
Yearbook
Our student photographer practices her skills before a volleyball game. Yearbook staff spends many hours making sure they capture the happenings at Douglass.
District Art Show
Examples of student work that is currently on display in the Central Office, and will remain on display through the 2020-2021 school year.
Art Throwdown
Seven Douglass art students were selected to participate in the "Art Throwdown" at Columbus State University. They competed against other art students in APS, as well as from across Georgia. Working as a team, two of the Douglass artist walked away with the first place title in the sculpture/metal working category.
Black History Month
Students in Visual Comp I and Drawing and Painting II, worked together to create three panels filled with portraits of historical and contemporary leaders in the black community. The panels were used as part of the stage decoration in the Black History Month performance, and then displayed in the Douglass art gallery.
WHAT'S GOING ON IN CLASS?
Drawing and Painting II&II- Portrait Practice
Students practiced drawing portraits, paying attention to proportion, shading, and adding details to make them more realistic. Next, students will begin working on their self-portraits.