my teaching philosophy
Set the stage
Teaching begins with a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment, where all students can flourish. When students enter my classroom, they become student-artists. The art room is their studio and peers are collaborators, with valuable skills, ideas, and knowledge. Studio expectations are clear and artistic behaviors are modeled for students.
Stretch, Experiment, Discover
Learning new tools and techniques gives students the power to express themselves and fully realize their concepts and ideas. Going outside their comfort zone, taking risks, experimenting, discovering, failing, and succeeding, gives them a springboard from which to explore further and reach exciting conclusions of their own.
Inspire & Support
Our classroom extends into the local community, our place in history, and the world at large, as we attempt to understand ourselves in context with others. When looking for sources of inspiration, I encourage my students to draw from all aspects of their lives; cultural, ethnic, religious, community, academic, and personal.
Growth mindset
Throughout the art-making process, students learn to think critically and reflect on their own progress. Asessment is based on predetermined goals, outcomes, and expectations.
As a teaching-artist and life-long learner, my job is to stay current in my field and seek new ways of engaging with art, students, and the curriculum.