Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy

The raising of hands, inquisitive faces, answers shouted across the room, may sound like a rowdy class to others; to me it’s the perfect class. There is always an enjoyment in listening to students ask questions regarding an art lesson because it shows that their minds are actively learning. Their inquiry a lesson signifies a certain curiosity that has to be honored by me as their art teacher. In my art room student-centered teaching will be practiced because I feel that every student plays an important role in his or her own art education. My goal as an art teacher is to instill my students with the confidence and willingness to ask questions and to not only approach me with their curiosities but also to also seek out information on their own through personal research, study and encouragement.

            My art room will be a place of artistic freedom, fun and active learning. It is a place where students will have the confidence to experiment with the different methods, mediums and ideas in art. Students will not be looked at as a number grade they will be seen as artistic individuals willing to learn and increase their art making and problem solving skills. As an artist I believe that any well-thought and visually intriguing work of art begins with the knowledge of the Elements and Principles of Art. These tools will enable them to create visually pleasing works of art and will instill them with the vocabulary to discuss and defend their artistic choices during a critic and even in written artist statements. Students will be encouraged to Cleary represent their artistic intentions regarding their artwork. Why did you choose this subject? What materials did you use? Did you learn anything new about the material or subject?

     My inspiration as an artist is taken from many works of classical, modern and contemporary artists.  I am inspired by the variety of themes, materials and art-making skills used in the works of art by artists such as Do-Ho Suh, Elizabeth Murray, Albrecht Dürer, and Salvador Dali. I bring my inspiration of art history, art making skills and techniques into the classroom by integrating these aspects into lessons that enrich a students’ knowledge of art and art making.