Introduction:

Hi! My name is Amy Prine, and this ePortfolio represents the work I completed during EDUC 450 and the growth I experienced while learning to support a wide range of students. This course gave me the chance to see what teaching High School looks like in real time and helped me develop the skills, habits, and reflective mindset I will carry with me into student teaching.

EDUC 450 brought together many aspects of what I value as an art educator. I believe deeply in teaching in ways that center equity, flexibility, and genuine care for students. I want my classroom to be a space where students feel comfortable exploring materials, taking creative risks, and expressing who they are. Throughout the semester, I saw how important it is to create environments where students feel seen not just as learners, but as individuals with their own strengths, interests, and needs.

My practicum placement at Rocky Mountain High School was one of the most impactful parts of the course. I spent time in both the Jewelry and Metals classroom and the Pottery studio, which gave me a clear picture of how high school art spaces function day-to-day. I saw students working independently, helping each other troubleshoot, and building confidence through creative problem-solving. Being part of these studios helped me understand the importance of relationship-building, supportive routines, and clear expectations. It also showed me how much students thrive when they have a balance of structure and independence.

Throughout the semester, our coursework focused on planning effective instruction, using assessment to guide decision-making, and thinking intentionally about how to create environments where learning can happen for every student. I taught a Making Thinking Visible (MTV) mini lesson, analyzed student data, contributed to an interdisciplinary unit on Aztec culture, and created a course syllabus for a High School Pottery 1 class. Each of these experiences helped me grow in different ways, from learning how to communicate expectations clearly to adjusting my instruction based on student needs.

Professionally, EDUC 450 helped me strengthen my confidence as a teacher and gave me tools I will actively use in student teaching. Personally, it reminded me why I chose this path: I genuinely enjoy working with students and supporting them through the creative process. As I move forward, I feel more prepared to build an art room where students feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn. This portfolio reflects the learning I’ve done so far and the direction I’m heading as I continue developing as an art educator.