Teaching Philosophy

Being involved in a quality visual art program isn’t just for “artists” but can benefit all individuals. The skills learned in art class help students to practice thinking creatively, develop motor and visual-spatial skills, and to strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills. Art develops a growth mindset, teaching students the joy of learning, to experiment and learn from mistakes. Art develops focus, and ultimately confidence. These skills are crucial for one's social-emotional development, overall academic performance and their future personal and professional life.

All children can learn and progress. It is the teacher’s job to instill in their students a love of learning and an interest in the world. I believe in teaching with equity not equality. I embrace all of my students’ individuality and adapt my lesson plans to accommodate each learning style.

I use backwards design to form my lesson plans. I start by creating a final assessment and then build my lesson to achieve those goals. My lessons are well thought out with clear models and multiple strategies for all learners to clearly understand what they are supposed to do. I follow state and national standards, but also keep my students’ individual interests in mind so they are excited and motivated. I believe as an art teacher, creativity can never be completely planned and, as long as it fits within the boundaries of the lesson, I like to allow for students' individuality to come out. I love to see the joy and confidence that emanates from a student who has tapped into their creativity. 

A well managed classroom creates a safe environment that encourages students to focus and create. I have 5 main proactive management techniques. One, Engagement, if students are busy and engaged behaviors are less likely to come out. Two, clear consistent expectations. I introduce them at the beginning of the year and remind students of them often, and reinforce them regularly. Three, I have a reward system to be sure positive behavior is rewarded and no one is overlooked. Four, sound is an important management skill. I use music to not only indicate certain activities are going on but also set the tone of my class. A timer is also a useful tool to signal students when to end/begin activities in class. Five, last and probably the most important, is that I build positive relationships with my students.

I believe assessments are not just about tests, but are an on-going process that includes student work, projects, effort and participation. I do not just make an assessment at the end of a unit. Rather I employ multiple assessments throughout the creative process to inform my instruction so that all my students can get the most benefit they can out of my instruction. 

As an art teacher, I believe students not only learn from me but from themselves and from their classmates. Art is a wonderful tool to open the world to students. I allow students to work collaboratively in small groups, and to share ideas in class discussions. I teach students how to positively critique their own as well as their peers' artwork. They have to not only give positive feedback, but constructive criticism as well. Knowing how to give and receive feedback is a skill useful no matter where you go in life. Allowing students to connect with classmates and share feedback connects them to the content, to their own worlds and backgrounds, and deeper learning is achieved.