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 primarily opened ended and culturally responsive, allowing students to gain agency in the lessons.

            My classroom is fun and inviting. It has a studio atmosphere that supports student ideas and creativity. My curriculum welcomes artistic self-expression as a tool for developing student voice. Students take responsibility for 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. An important goal of my art room is that students identify how their strengths and assets 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 and are positioned to have a positive impact on their community. 

            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.