TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

There is something that all students can benefit from in the art classroom. Art is a subject that is crucial for all students to participate in due to its relaxing nature. The art classroom gives students experience in creating and using their minds in ways that allow them to take initiative. This gives them the opportunity to create unique and meaningful art. Thus students are more readily prepared for the world outside of school by their art giving them the confidence. I, as an art educator, encourage good thoughtful use of medium from my students and lead them in the right direction with both their art and their lives by being someone they can look up to and emulate.

I am continuously learning more about art and techniques so my students will have the most up to date information when it comes to teaching. My goal is to give students the opportunity to have a good experience with art so they appreciate it and respect those that make it. Students come first and to teach and provide them with the experiences and skills they need to be successful and happy is my number one priority. Through collaboration on art projects students are able to develop communication and people skills, which in the long run, will increase their self-esteem and lead them on the path of lifelong learning.

There is a lot that I bring to my classroom including drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, woodworking, and art history; these are examples of what I help students to excel in. I also utilize other resources such as technology, and when integrating it in my classroom, this further increases my students’ interest in art. Students enjoy creating art, and I give them familiarity in all kinds of medium so what I bring to my students gives them the experiences they need to create distinctive and expressive works of art while also allowing them to gain a respect for others’ art.

During my undergraduate experience at Morehead State University I had the opportunity to work with “at risk” high school and middle school students by facilitating them while they create unique art. I was able to learn new strategies for dealing with disciplinary problems in my classroom by working with these students. In order to reach all students, I use my knowledge of the Kentucky Core Academic Standards (KCAS) to align lessons that teach students art but I also incorporate ideas and concepts from other subjects like science, so that other courses’ content is reinforced. In order for students to be active during class discussion, I center the learning around them by asking questions that promote creativity through in class discussions of class material.

Students take well to the arts because of the freedom it offers in how and what they create. Art allows students to express themselves in a safe and exciting way. School can be a hard time for many people and if they have a pleasurable time in my class, while still learning, then my job has been done. I am there to encourage students and promote good educative experiences through the use of different art media and techniques.