Philosophy
The purpose of education is to provide a framework through which people can grow and navigate life. Education allows students to practice thinking about the world and various topics in it in a safe and measured way, so they can develop the curiosity to be lifelong learners. When people have access to information beyond their immediate surroundings, they can discover and pursue new interests. A multicultural education can also provide perspective on how they see themselves and others. Beyond a sense of fulfillment that comes from broadening one’s horizon, and a chance to find personal passion and perspective, the regimen of going to school prepares students to be lifelong learners who understand the expansive nature of knowledge and discovery. They become used to critical thinking, collaboration, and navigating the human experience. The tools students need to be confident and thoughtful adults will be built in school.
I believe that art is the most far reaching subject when it comes to meeting the goals of what education should be. Art allows for students to combine their individual, personal experiences with new knowledge. Mixing the self with topical themes leads to a memorable, original formulation of perspective. No other subject beyond the arts so directly asks students for their immediate participation in it. In the art classroom, students are given agency and are immersed in experiential learning, making discoveries as soon as they have materials in hand. The art experience has the potential to help completely transform and strengthen the way students think and communicate, and I believe the possibilities are endless within that.
Students learn best by making authentic connections and in a school culture that embraces hands-on experiences. Working on any breadth of subjects and experiencing making connections in the brain helps people develop and have an awareness of the vastness of education, but learning is absorbed especially well when it comes from first-hand experiences. My goals when teaching art will be to help students formulate their own opinions and critical thinking, to inspire, and to provide an environment that embraces differences. The most important thing to me is to create a healthy and helpful environment in school. I also want to teach students ways of creating and techniques that may help them explore, while encouraging their own creative confidence. The most effective methods of teaching come through when positive relationships are built and the students’ voices are clearly heard. In order to create these relationships, teachers must be aware of different learning styles, and provide a range of teaching methods, including new or novel ones that hold student intrigue. Building lessons that respond to students’ interests also encourages engagement and confidence.
There is a social-emotional element to all learning. Discussing the psychological processes of learning as well as human development has influenced my opinions on education and what works best. Constantly being willing to adapt and embrace uncertainty is part of my plan for a career as an art teacher. I want to empower students and encourage them to explore and ask questions to create classroom conditions that inspire student innovation, collaboration and voice. I look forward to working with a community of practitioners to support holistic, student led learning and expression.
There is a social-emotional element to all learning. Discussing the psychological processes of learning as well as human development has influenced my opinions on education and what works best. Constantly being willing to adapt and embrace uncertainty is part of my plan for a career as an art teacher. I want to empower students and encourage them to explore and ask questions to create classroom conditions that inspire student innovation, collaboration and voice. I look forward to working with a community of practitioners to support holistic, student led learning and expression.