Teaching Philosophy

            No matter how many times people told me not to be a teacher, for all the reasons they gave me, I always came running back to give students the environment I was given. When reflecting on my goals as a teacher, one stands out the most: I want my students to have a safe place where they feel welcome, cared about, and valued as individuals. I want them to know I am rooting for them and supporting them. That goal is one that will continue to flourish through my entire career and be reflected within my curriculum and pedagogy. By nurturing such an environment, I am able to transform lives as well as help students discover their true selves and realize their full potential. I look forward to witnessing years of students grow into the people they are destined to be.

The art classroom is a sanctuary where students can express themselves and meet their individualized needs. Often seen as a luxury in schools (Hetland, 2007), art education offers much more. I prioritize creativity, expression, and inclusivity in my classroom. I believe that every student has a unique approach to art and a personal voice that deserves to be celebrated. I strive to create an environment where students feel free to explore their identities and express themselves through art. This approach not only fosters artistic skills but also encourages personal growth and self-discovery. By designing curricula that fosters inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application, I encourage students to explore their interests and challenge their assumptions. I also use approaches that emphasize self-reflection, collaborative learning, and adaptability. In embracing these diverse perspectives, we cultivate a more empathetic community where every student’s voice is heard and valued.

Three principles that are essential in my classroom are representation, inclusion, and advocacy; these are also core to Social Justice Art Education (SJAE). By implementing this approach, I ensure that students hear diverse voices and perspectives. My students are empowered to use art as a tool for social change by encouraging them to explore diverse perspectives, engage in critical dialogue and express empathy through creative expression, fostering a deeper understanding of different voices and experiences.This approach also allows students to explore and express their identities through art, promoting personal growth and self-awareness. Each year, the students in my class are ever-changing. It is crucial to embrace the distinctiveness of each class and tailor lessons to their specific needs. I integrate their unique backgrounds into the classroom, using SJAE to encourage them to explore and reflect on their surroundings, fostering creativity and empowering them to connect their personal narratives to societal issues. This approach ensures that my curriculum is culturally relevant and engaging, allowing my students to thrive and express themselves through art.

“The child is the artist” (Douglas, 2018) but they do not always know who that is yet. I teach for artistic behavior (TAB) in my classroom to allow students to play with materials, take risks, and accept mistakes. I emphasize my  students' autonomy, enabling them to make choices based on their own interest. I guide my students by offering personal resources, ongoing support, and constructive feedback, while creating an environment that encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and collaboration, so they can take ownership of their learning and develop independence in the creative process. TAB allows my students to pursue their interests and increases creativity and innovation. They also develop critical thinking skills, which are valuable beyond the art classroom. Through this process, students embark on a journey of self-discovery. By exploring various artistic mediums and expressing their thoughts and emotions through art, they gain a deeper understanding of themselves. This exploration helps them build confidence and a sense of identity, as they learn to articulate their unique perspectives and experiences.

Ultimately, I teach art because I believe in the power to transform lives, helping students discover their true selves and realize their full potential. My students are the core of my teaching, as students are the very purpose of education. They are growing people who I have the opportunity to help mold into amazing people who could one day change the world. I will always make my students feel welcome, cared about and valued, because that is how I feel being their teacher.