Teaching Philosophy

Becoming a teacher has not always been my dream, unlike many current and aspiring teachers seen today. My interest weighed significantly in the concept of creating a safe and approachable bond with students in a school environment, which can oftentimes be a vulnerable space. After having endured many years of my own experiences where life both inside and outside of school was strenuous, it was in my early years of high school that I decided that I was determined to find a career where I could provide support and aid to struggling students. One of the only paths I considered was social work in schools, but my mindset quickly altered halfway through high school. I had this idea that the only form of support I could provide to students was through social work because that was the only form of support that I was receiving during one of the most challenging years of my life. That perception all shifted one day when my math teacher pulled me aside after class to speak with me. Her attentiveness and sympathy for my grueling issues at home were overwhelming. I was astonished that she even noticed a difference in my demeanor within just a few short 50-minute class periods. That day my life changed. I knew I wanted to become a teacher because if I could positively impact a single student’s life the way mine had been, I needed to pursue teaching.   

From then on, my focus was set on becoming an educator. We as educators have one of the most important jobs in the world, and I believe that striving to create a classroom environment where there is equality and respect between all ethnicities, all levels of ability, all genders, and all people is crucial. This, however, can only truly be achieved within a classroom if all parties are willing to put in the effort to contribute and participate in an inclusive classroom. Creating this environment allows teachers to be more attentive and aware of their students’ needs. Especially within an art classroom, students should feel encouraged to express their culture, triumphs, struggles, and important aspects of their lives through their artwork. In turn, this allows students to flourish and benefit both with their work, but also by having a setting in which they can have an emotional release and outlet. An art classroom allows time and space for reflection while working through the process of creating meaningful work, and that is my goal as an educator to allow my students to be able to work through challenges they may face or witness in the world around them and engage in discussions through their artworks. I plan to continue to be present in the classroom, so I can provide support and facilitate discussion to ensure all my students are accounted for and heard, always.