My teaching practice is derived from empathy. It is my priority to develop genuine and mutual connections with my students and their families to create a space where they are comfortable to try new things. I feel fortunate to create these relationships with my students and it only helps to design a curriculum that benefits all students rather than most. This idea of genuine partnership is crucial to the success of the student as well as my success as a teacher.
My passion for learning has helped me admire the symbiotic relationship that art and project based learning have. Allowing students to ideate, create, and experiment on long term and cross curricular projects allows students to become wonderers, explorers, experts and then teachers. This experience is crucial in helping our students to grow into learners, and carry these traits as they walk through the world.
Art is a place where students come to learn, play, challenge themselves, and speak without words. My place in education is to be a voice, a listening ear, or a warm hug when needed. I am grateful to share my passion for art and education with some of the most creative minds and hope this passion is reflected in the colorful walls of our room and halls of our school.Â
Teaching through a critically conscious lens allows me to create a space for students to think creatively in order to solve creative problems. Building this muscle helps them move through their community and the world as problem solvers. With these values as the focus of my teaching, I am able to cultivate a classroom culture where students are inspired to challenge themselves and grow as artists and learners as a whole.