Statement of Teaching Philosophy
Art gives us ways to explore the intangible, to contemplate the “why” in our world. The arts can connect people more deeply into their lives and provide new ways of seeing and understanding. While art courses teach creativity and imagination, they can also give students the tools needed for innovation, flexibility and understanding. A comprehensive art program operates by respecting different cultures, exploring visual culture and art history, practicing art making, and connecting interdisciplinary relationships to the larger world.
My teaching is modeled through the perspective of teacher-as-facilitator, where the students and I learn together to discover new ways of seeing and knowing. My classroom environment is a safe place where differing opinions and diversity, much like the variety of artwork we examine, is encouraged and valued. I aim to incorporate multiple theories of art teaching and practice, from historical to contemporary, in order to present a multi-layered concept. Furthermore, I introduce ideas in an interdisciplinary fashion, demonstrating the connections that art has to the larger world. I strive to create independent learners who take responsibility for their personal growth and are passionate about learning. Likewise, learning can take place in multiple forms by using collaboration, technology, studio practice, and dialogue to introduce and reinforce concepts.
I believe that a single person can bring change to the world and that teachers are capable of influencing many lives. I stress to my students that I do not have all the answers, but together we can find new solutions to problems at hand. I support different learning styles, celebrate complex thinking, and encourage individuality. I believe in life-long learning and model this approach to my students. Learning is not limited to just the classroom, but continues through outside research and community involvement.
Art educators are the gatekeepers to the complexities of the art world. I hope to teach my students to understand how art plays in our daily lives and influences our cultures. The arts have a way of engaging students that other subjects cannot offer. Whether working with students in a studio class or training future art educators, I support the power that art has and its impact on our communities, cultures, and society.
Art gives us ways to explore the intangible, to contemplate the “why” in our world. The arts can connect people more deeply into their lives and provide new ways of seeing and understanding. While art courses teach creativity and imagination, they can also give students the tools needed for innovation, flexibility and understanding. A comprehensive art program operates by respecting different cultures, exploring visual culture and art history, practicing art making, and connecting interdisciplinary relationships to the larger world.
My teaching is modeled through the perspective of teacher-as-facilitator, where the students and I learn together to discover new ways of seeing and knowing. My classroom environment is a safe place where differing opinions and diversity, much like the variety of artwork we examine, is encouraged and valued. I aim to incorporate multiple theories of art teaching and practice, from historical to contemporary, in order to present a multi-layered concept. Furthermore, I introduce ideas in an interdisciplinary fashion, demonstrating the connections that art has to the larger world. I strive to create independent learners who take responsibility for their personal growth and are passionate about learning. Likewise, learning can take place in multiple forms by using collaboration, technology, studio practice, and dialogue to introduce and reinforce concepts.
I believe that a single person can bring change to the world and that teachers are capable of influencing many lives. I stress to my students that I do not have all the answers, but together we can find new solutions to problems at hand. I support different learning styles, celebrate complex thinking, and encourage individuality. I believe in life-long learning and model this approach to my students. Learning is not limited to just the classroom, but continues through outside research and community involvement.
Art educators are the gatekeepers to the complexities of the art world. I hope to teach my students to understand how art plays in our daily lives and influences our cultures. The arts have a way of engaging students that other subjects cannot offer. Whether working with students in a studio class or training future art educators, I support the power that art has and its impact on our communities, cultures, and society.