My Teaching Philosophy
My enthusiasm about art is boundless, and I love sharing that with my students. Because of my studio, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics experience base, I am able to structure meaningful art experiences for my students. I build comprehension of the elements of art and the principles of design in each project I assign.
I believe that art can help students by encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking. My art instruction includes the study of art from past and present cultures from around the world to enable students to gain appreciation and understanding of their own heritage and other cultures.
My students evaluate their own artworks and those of their peers, as well as those of the masters. I hold formal oral critiques, and students write self-assessments of their own projects.
It is important for me to select certain units of study to coordinate with the classroom teacher, creating art across the curriculum. Students can further explore social studies, history, science, math, and language arts while using their hands and minds to create works of art.
Art can be a social effort that builds an exchange between artist and viewers. I provide opportunities for parents, friends, and the community to appreciate student work. Students are taken on field trips or “virtual” trips to examine masterworks or interesting environments.
My aim is to develop aesthetically responsive, literate, and creative students with a lifelong interest and involvement in the arts. I hope that I am able to achieve a classroom atmosphere that is fun, supportive, and accommodates different abilities and learning styles. I am dedicated to fostering self-expression and empowering students to explore their artistic abilities, creating an environment where they feel empowered and supported. I strive to create a supportive classroom atmosphere that accommodates diverse abilities and learning styles, utilizing a variety of instructional strategies and assessment methods to meet the cognitive and affective needs of all students. I am committed to continuous learning, professional development, and staying current with best practices in art education,