Philosophy of Teaching
In today's educational climate we see Art Education taking a backseat to STEM subject matter, despite its long integrated history with these subjects. Aware that art holds a significant place in education and learning, I will preface my teaching philosophy with the defense of what I teach.
What is art and why is it important for all students? Defined by Merriam-Webster, art is simply “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings.” Learning about and creating this “something” is important to students, whether they consider themselves artistic or not, and often contributes to a student’s self-esteem. Art provides all students with learning and life skills and exposure to the arts has been scientifically shown to greatly contribute to both cognitive and social development; developments that can be applied across the curriculum.
As a teacher, first and foremost, I want to encourage a lifelong love of learning in all of my students. As an art educator, I want to nurture the curiosity and inventiveness that fosters and supports continued learning regardless of the subject matter. I want students to come away from art class understanding the role that art serves and its value in their life, whether they are directly participating in the arts or acting as an observer.
To accomplish lifelong learning, I believe that my role as a teacher is threefold: first, to instruct; secondly, to serve as a mentor; and finally, to remain a learner. As an art instructor, I will assist my students in the acquisition of knowledge and skills through art experiences, art adventures and academic study. With every art project, students will learn about art materials and methods, as well as, relevant art history and cross-curricular concepts. Active participation by students is easily obtained, because the majority of art education is project-based. In my art curriculum students will be provided opportunities to observe, question, inquire, self-reflect, respond and create in a positive and supportive environment. I use both informal assessments (discussions/ group critiques) and formal assessments (written assignments/ portfolios) to determine my students’ understanding of assignments and grade on a percentage scale.
My second role as an art educator is to serve as a mentor. Mentors act as role models for their students. They instill the skills and confidence that will assist their students in overcoming future educational and life hurdles long after they have graduated from high school. A mentor can support the development of creative problem solving skills by acting as a sounding board for their students and providing open-ended questions that encourage integrative thinking. In providing these resources to a student, a mentor promotes and encourages respect and communication.
I believe strongly in the quote by John Cotton Dana that “who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” For this reason, I believe that the final, and one of the most important, roles a teacher can take on is that of a learner. Learners demonstrate lifelong learning and strive toward continual improvement. Teachers as learners use what they learn to help all students achieve their educational goals. As an active artist in the community, I practice what I preach. Additionally, participating in educational opportunities for educators, whether that is attending conferences or professional art and/or art education courses, promotes my own personal and creative growth that I am then able to relay to the students.
In today's educational climate we see Art Education taking a backseat to STEM subject matter, despite its long integrated history with these subjects. Aware that art holds a significant place in education and learning, I will preface my teaching philosophy with the defense of what I teach.
What is art and why is it important for all students? Defined by Merriam-Webster, art is simply “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings.” Learning about and creating this “something” is important to students, whether they consider themselves artistic or not, and often contributes to a student’s self-esteem. Art provides all students with learning and life skills and exposure to the arts has been scientifically shown to greatly contribute to both cognitive and social development; developments that can be applied across the curriculum.
As a teacher, first and foremost, I want to encourage a lifelong love of learning in all of my students. As an art educator, I want to nurture the curiosity and inventiveness that fosters and supports continued learning regardless of the subject matter. I want students to come away from art class understanding the role that art serves and its value in their life, whether they are directly participating in the arts or acting as an observer.
To accomplish lifelong learning, I believe that my role as a teacher is threefold: first, to instruct; secondly, to serve as a mentor; and finally, to remain a learner. As an art instructor, I will assist my students in the acquisition of knowledge and skills through art experiences, art adventures and academic study. With every art project, students will learn about art materials and methods, as well as, relevant art history and cross-curricular concepts. Active participation by students is easily obtained, because the majority of art education is project-based. In my art curriculum students will be provided opportunities to observe, question, inquire, self-reflect, respond and create in a positive and supportive environment. I use both informal assessments (discussions/ group critiques) and formal assessments (written assignments/ portfolios) to determine my students’ understanding of assignments and grade on a percentage scale.
My second role as an art educator is to serve as a mentor. Mentors act as role models for their students. They instill the skills and confidence that will assist their students in overcoming future educational and life hurdles long after they have graduated from high school. A mentor can support the development of creative problem solving skills by acting as a sounding board for their students and providing open-ended questions that encourage integrative thinking. In providing these resources to a student, a mentor promotes and encourages respect and communication.
I believe strongly in the quote by John Cotton Dana that “who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” For this reason, I believe that the final, and one of the most important, roles a teacher can take on is that of a learner. Learners demonstrate lifelong learning and strive toward continual improvement. Teachers as learners use what they learn to help all students achieve their educational goals. As an active artist in the community, I practice what I preach. Additionally, participating in educational opportunities for educators, whether that is attending conferences or professional art and/or art education courses, promotes my own personal and creative growth that I am then able to relay to the students.