TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I found my art education to be limiting. While the class did vary in the media we used, there was little to no exploration of practicing artists or their motivations and themes. I prefer my students to explore their creativity, the capabilities of media, and their understanding of a theme. It appears that many contemporary artists mix media or are experimental with their art making, and that is why my students will be given opportunities to experiment as well. I also believe that choice based learning is meaningful when it comes to students’ sense of self and decision making. Without choice in the art classroom, students are only learning the safety and skills involved; therefore, they are missing out on the critical thinking and problem solving that art has to offer them. In order to build their sense of self and autonomy, I plan to teach techniques, offer guidance, and expand their understanding of the culture around art while allowing them to have choice and room to experiment.

 

My classroom lessons often center local artists, global artists, and artists of color. I find much of art education relates works back to famous artists in history, whom are more often than not, white and European. There is such a broad range of art from other cultures that is not given the same time and attention within the art classroom. I feel it is my duty as an educator to move forward by being more inclusive of who’s art we study. A fundamental mission of mine is to include artists of various backgrounds, ethnicities, and media so that students can both see themselves reflected in the material, and also be challenged by new perspectives.

 

I also want my students to know that their art does not always need to stay “finished”. As extra credit in my classroom, I would expect for students to rework an old project. If they didn’t like the original work this is a great opportunity for them to create something they are now proud of. Alternatively, should a student rework a beloved piece of their art, that shows me their desire to grow and learn at the risk of failing. It is important that my students understanding of what makes art “good” is ever evolving. My students will explore relevant themes that connect them to the world, art, their community, and themselves.