My philosophy as an art teacher is to provide a safe and effective learning environment, where students will be invited to take risks and freely share ideas. I believe that all students have inherent artistic ability, and it is my job as their teacher to bring the artist out in them. It is my desire to create an environment where students have the opportunity to meet their full potential.
My teaching philosophy is very student centered. I believe that students are capable of doing great work at any age, and my job is to inspire and empower them to think and work like artists. In my classroom, I am the facilitator and guide, giving students opportunities to create and solve artistic problems and get out of their comfort zone. I help students gain the skills they need to communicate their ideas effectively and make art that is meaningful to them. I challenge students to try new things and to achieve what they thought they couldn't. I incorporate cross-curricular experiences organically in the art room. We work to build literacy skills through observing and talking about art, and by writing about students’ own ideas and artwork.
I believe in the open art room philosophy where my curriculum for the school year begins with teacher-directed art assignments and projects which give students the basic tools of art education based on the elements of art and principles of design. As the year progresses, I slowly allow for a more student-centered, choice-based art curriculum which empowers students’ creative voice. By the end of the year, all students have freedom to create what they want so that they can communicate what they want, while adhering to art content standards.