Philosophy of Education
I believe that the best learning environment is one that encourages sharing of knowledge and ideas. Every student has a unique perspective that deserves to be shared and recognized. Too often, students get discouraged by fear of ridicule from their peers and teachers alike. Especially in high school, students are self-conscious about how they are perceived by others. They do not want to sound “stupid,” or make themselves come under any type of scrutiny. As an art teacher, I believe creative expression is a very valuable tool to help students overcome these fears. Often times, students who struggle in other academic areas find that art comes more naturally to them. In this way, art can give a voice to students who might otherwise never have the confidence or the ability to make themselves heard in other areas.
I believe everyone can create art if given the right tools. With patient encouragement from parents and teachers, anyone can develop the skills necessary to make and appreciate art. Even if a student struggles with creativity, it does not mean that they have less artistic potential than others. Often, these students just need to be guided until they are comfortable exploring new ideas on their own. I strive to never make assumptions about others, including my students. It is the responsibility of teachers to give everyone equal access to education, no matter what their situation in life may appear to be. Gender, cultural background, religion, social status, or learning disabilities should not exclude any person from getting a good quality education that meets their individual needs. Every student is a unique individual with distinct capabilities; each one should be given every opportunity possible to succeed in life.
I believe in the therapeutic value of creative expression. High school is often a difficult stage of life, full of uncertainty; it is a time during which teens are still learning how to deal with stress. It is also an exciting time, when teens are figuring out who they are. Creative expression is a valuable tool to learn for all of these reasons. Art can serve as a positive alternative to the risky behaviors teens often turn to in order to fill these needs. I want to share with my students how art can be an outlet for stress, and a platform for self-discovery. To help students engage in the therapeutic aspects of the creative process, I think it is important to offer them many opportunities to display or share their artwork. Students build confidence when others see their work.
I believe art enriches the lives of all people, but especially those who take the time to study and think critically about it. While it is important for students to learn how to express themselves through art, it is also important that they know how to appreciate the expressions of others. Creativity comes in many forms; thus, students should learn about many different types of art. In my classroom, I want to equip students with the knowledge necessary to understand and appreciate art forms they might not already be familiar with. In this way, they will learn to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others whose ways of life differ from their own. In addition, they will learn to look at their own way of life more critically. Art that we live with every day takes on new meaning when we learn to think about it from a different standpoint.
I believe that every student is uniquely talented. It is my responsibility as a teacher to nurture that talent. I believe that every student has unique potential. It is my responsibility to help students realize that potential by helping them set realistic goals, and then teaching them the skills necessary to achieve those goals. I believe that every student deserves to be loved and respected. It is my responsibility to make them feel valued as the amazing individuals they are.
I believe everyone can create art if given the right tools. With patient encouragement from parents and teachers, anyone can develop the skills necessary to make and appreciate art. Even if a student struggles with creativity, it does not mean that they have less artistic potential than others. Often, these students just need to be guided until they are comfortable exploring new ideas on their own. I strive to never make assumptions about others, including my students. It is the responsibility of teachers to give everyone equal access to education, no matter what their situation in life may appear to be. Gender, cultural background, religion, social status, or learning disabilities should not exclude any person from getting a good quality education that meets their individual needs. Every student is a unique individual with distinct capabilities; each one should be given every opportunity possible to succeed in life.
I believe in the therapeutic value of creative expression. High school is often a difficult stage of life, full of uncertainty; it is a time during which teens are still learning how to deal with stress. It is also an exciting time, when teens are figuring out who they are. Creative expression is a valuable tool to learn for all of these reasons. Art can serve as a positive alternative to the risky behaviors teens often turn to in order to fill these needs. I want to share with my students how art can be an outlet for stress, and a platform for self-discovery. To help students engage in the therapeutic aspects of the creative process, I think it is important to offer them many opportunities to display or share their artwork. Students build confidence when others see their work.
I believe art enriches the lives of all people, but especially those who take the time to study and think critically about it. While it is important for students to learn how to express themselves through art, it is also important that they know how to appreciate the expressions of others. Creativity comes in many forms; thus, students should learn about many different types of art. In my classroom, I want to equip students with the knowledge necessary to understand and appreciate art forms they might not already be familiar with. In this way, they will learn to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others whose ways of life differ from their own. In addition, they will learn to look at their own way of life more critically. Art that we live with every day takes on new meaning when we learn to think about it from a different standpoint.
I believe that every student is uniquely talented. It is my responsibility as a teacher to nurture that talent. I believe that every student has unique potential. It is my responsibility to help students realize that potential by helping them set realistic goals, and then teaching them the skills necessary to achieve those goals. I believe that every student deserves to be loved and respected. It is my responsibility to make them feel valued as the amazing individuals they are.