Education Philosophies

One of the most important components in classroom management is truly getting to individually know each of your students. This starts with something as simple as remembering their name, how to correctly pronounce it, and a nickname if they have one. Showing the children in your class you care enough to address them properly is a great way to begin to build a bond of trust. Talking with your students is also important in showing you care about them as individuals. Asking thoughtful questions and using active listening skills will help them feel more comfortable to open up in class, both verbally in areas like class discussions and in their artwork and assignments.

I believe good behavior should be recognized, and that it will encourage the student(s) to continue with that good behavior. It shows you pay attention to everyone and that the rules set in place are worth following. Acknowledging good behavior publicly is often enough to offer incentive to the rest of the class. Poor behavior should also be recognized, but in an entirely different way. You want to address poor behavior in a way that shows you see the student and their actions, but not in a way that would encourage those actions to continue. Addressing the issue(s) with the student alone is a good way to show that you see them and what they have been doing while also showing you genuinely care about them and only want them to do better. Sometimes all they need is a form of positive attention or someone to listen. Poor behavior should be addressed in private to offer that personal connection in addition to eliminating distractions and possible further negative attention.

I want to have a classroom that is a safe, welcoming space for everyone. My students should feel like they are heard and can trust me. I want all my students to feel like they can express themselves authentically without worrying about judgment. My students will learn both skills they can use in their art and skills they can use in the outside world, helping them develop into strong and confident artists and people.

I personally come from a mixed background myself, so diversity and inclusion are things very dear to my heart. Children can be cruel, often unintentionally. Many kids will bully other children who may look different, wear different clothes, eat different food, or dress outside of what they were taught was the social norm. It is important to help children feel comfortable enough to embrace their background, culture, and who they are as a person. No one should feel attacked or like they were put on the spot. I will work to encourage good listening and being respectful to others, asking any questions that may arise in a polite way that allows for further conversation. There will be several art projects scattered throughout the school year intended to showcase artists and artwork from numerous origins, highlighting work from all kinds of people.

My projects will always have alternatives and possible alterations for those with physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities. These will be offered right at the start of each new project and can be requested at any time during its completion. In addition to being taught live to the whole class, assignment directions and directives will be available in both written and audio format. Translations will also be available for English Language Learning (ELL) students. I will do everything in my power to ensure everyone knows that they are special, unique, and that people's differences are actually a beautiful thing.