Every student possesses unique gifts which have the potential to impact the world in a positive and powerful way, on scales both large and small. The visual arts provide a vehicle for cultivating the whole person, and as Charles Fowler explained, " The arts humanize the curriculum while affirming the interconnectedness of all forms of knowing.  They are a powerful means to improve general education." 

Learning occurs most effectively when students are able to connect with an idea or lesson.  This concept is at the core of what teaching means to me. Achieving that level of influence and understanding how to cultivate student's identity and gifts, is created through community and connection. I offer a classroom that encourages risk-taking, fosters collaboration and cooperation, and is a safe environment which welcomes the exploration of ideas.  Building a supportive, safe, and insuring classroom environment allows for students to explore who they are as artists. My role as a visual arts instructor is to foster and promote excellence in my students by providing them with the tools to develop awareness, critical and creative thinking skills, personal growth, an empathy and compassion towards themselves and towards others, as well as cultivating their voices through the expressive channels of visual art.