Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, I approach art as a process that allows students to better understand and change the world around them. Therefore, my classroom is a place where students work together to explore ideas, are challenged, and given opportunities to succeed. My curriculum fosters artistic self-expression as a tool for developing student voice and is culturally responsive, allowing students to gain agency in the lessons.
My classroom is structured in a studio format, which supports students becoming independent, creative thinkers. Students take responsibility of their learning with lessons developed to meaningfully connect to students’ experiences and encourage them to become invested in their progress. Students are encouraged to be involved in decisions that impact their learning, given space to reflect on their work and assess their growth. This learning environment and accompanying curriculum allow students to identify how their strengths can have a positive impact on our larger community.
Collaboration between peers is built into the studio aspect of my art room in our daily procedures. Students will be given the opportunity to work in diverse groups and be exposed to new outlooks. My curriculum uses collaborative learning to challenge students to share perspectives outside of their own and work together to find new solutions. Once students find their voice, they are given the space to express it creatively.
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My student-centered classroom presents ideas and issues to students, teaches them to question, supports their exploration, and encourages creative problem-solving. These skills are applicable in many aspects of life and can all be practiced through art-making. In my classroom, students are able to use creativity to think critically and solve problems.
