Teaching Philosophy

The Roots

We as educators are faced with innumerable challenges, and one of the most important is ensuring student success. Success, however, is difficult to define. An art educator's philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that expression through art is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, offering students a powerful means of having their voices heard and ideas valued, thus aiding in the roots of creation of a well-rounded person. At the core of this thought is the notion that choice, exploration, imagination, and even failure are vital to the creative process. This personal choice is what connects students to art, and connects art to a person's community. As an educator, I believe the art classroom is a community, a space where every creation is met with respect and care, fostering a sense of belonging among peers. I also believe that, by extension, students will continue to grow outside of my classroom, knowing their personal growth continues after our chapter in their journey. I realize that my presence is paramount, even if just for a moment every week. How can I as an educator help these students flourish? As a role-model, It’s important to cultivate an atmosphere where students feel successful and also feel heard, acknowledging that the true seeds of art education lies in the trial and error, playful exploration, and persistent personal connections of their respective pieces. My classroom will serve to guide students as they grow creatively and explore as artists to better understand themselves and the world around them. Consider the acorn. Only with sufficient nurturing and guidance will it grow and thrive, eventually woven into the fabric of the forest around it. My goal for my students is that they feel welcome, heard, and equally guided as they continue to grow as artists.