teaching portfolio
teaching philosophy
I believe that every child is unique, and needs a secure, caring, and most of all stimulating learning atmosphere in which to learn and grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
As an art educator, it is my desire to provide this positive environment to all students, while guiding them through visual and kinetic methods of learning, and encouraging both curiosity and risk taking. All children have potential; they just need someone to believe that they are capable individuals. Every one of us works together to attain the atmosphere in which students truly want to better themselves, to achieve what they are capable of.
I believe that it is very important to cultivate relationships and work together with fellow educators to encourage the sharing of methods and ideas, and to provide a solid network of support for both the students and myself. By working as a team, teachers can further develop their expertise, and provide the best education possible for the students.
Students need direction and guidance, but not all of the time. My lesson planning style contains both independent and guided direction together with time for discussion and critique, but most of all my lessons relate to project based learning and allow freedom for student interpretation. My goal as an art teacher is to serve as a guide to knowledge and provide access to information rather than being the primary source of information for my students.
Project based learning sounds simple to implement in art courses, but I believe an art class can dig so much deeper than simply creating. Students need to learn the hows and whys of the mediums they are working with. I get them to think about these things through collaborative tests and experiments before beginning assignments.
When choosing to become a teacher, I committed to my future students and to myself that I will be the best educator and mentor that I can possibly be. I will be a role model ethically, academically, and personally for my students. Teaching provides an opportunity for me to constantly learn and grow from my students and the community, and the ability to continue the development of my own body of artwork. It is my goal as an art educator to provide an honest, well-rounded education to every student I experience in my career.