Student Teaching 

Overview of My Student Teaching Experience

My elementary placement gave me experience working with younger students in a creative and energetic environment. I learned how important structure, routines, and engagement are when teaching elementary art. Students were excited to create and express themselves, and I loved seeing how imaginative and fearless they were with their ideas. I taught lessons that focused on creativity, exploration, and skill-building while also helping students develop confidence and positive classroom habits. This placement helped me become more flexible, patient, and encouraging as a teacher.

My secondary placement allowed me to work more deeply with students on technical skills, conceptual thinking, and personal expression through art while also learning about classroom management and keeping students accountable. I taught projects including color pencil and pen techniques, elements of art/principles of design, linocut printing, graphite portrait drawing, critiques, and collaborative activities that encouraged students to think critically about their work and the work of others. I enjoyed building stronger relationships with students and watching them grow more confident in their artistic abilities over time. This experience helped me strengthen my classroom management, lesson planning, demonstrations, and ability to adapt instruction to different learning styles and student needs.

My Teacher Story

I’ve always been drawn to creativity, connection, and helping others, which is what led me to teaching art. Art has always been a space where I feel calm, inspired, and able to communicate ideas and emotions that are hard to put into words, and I want my students to have that same experience. I believe art classrooms should feel welcoming, supportive, and encouraging for all students, no matter their skill level or background. I value creativity, individuality, experimentation, and growth over perfection. I’m passionate about helping students build confidence in themselves while also learning how to make art.

Impact of Student Teaching

Student teaching impacted me both professionally and personally in so many different ways. Professionally, it helped me grow more confident in my teaching abilities and showed me how much preparation, flexibility, and reflection go into being an effective educator. I learned how to balance structure with creativity and how important it is to build positive relationships with students. Personally, the experience helped me grow in confidence, communication, patience, and adaptability. It confirmed that teaching is the right path for me and showed me how meaningful it is to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, valued, and inspired. 

Moving Forward

Moving forward, I want to continue creating an art classroom that encourages creativity, risk-taking, and personal expression while making students feel safe and supported. I plan to carry with me the importance of building relationships, being adaptable, and meeting students where they are. I also want to continue incorporating meaningful, engaging projects that connect art to students’ lives and interests. Student teaching taught me that great teaching is not about being perfect, it’s about being reflective, open to growth, and committed to supporting students both artistically and personally.