Teaching Philosophy

As an educator, it is my job to encourage my students to communicate their ideas and foster their unique styles. Students in art think outside the box and don’t have to draw inside the lines, either. I believe that students in visual arts classes learn to see the world in a different light. I will encourage my students to be curious and critical thinkers. Through art, students can express their personal beliefs and analyze and interpret the beliefs of others through their art. I will teach my students that all opinions are valid and that using their voices verbally and nonverbally in critiques and through their artwork is essential. I believe art is communication. It is a tool for students to positively explore and contribute to the world around them.

Creating projects reflecting students’ unique interests and beliefs is essential to my teaching practice. All my students will be able to express themselves meaningfully, including their cultural backgrounds, interests, and communities. Students will use their critical thinking skills to question their environment and deliberate on their decisions about their art and how it can change its meaning. I believe it is essential to show students how art can be used to influence their culture as well as express their voices.

Arts integration is essential in the classroom. The arts are unique in that they can be incorporated into multiple subjects, such as literature, science, and social studies. Art can be used as a visual tool for other subjects. The students can use their art to understand and apply complex material in different classes.

My curriculum includes various mediums, techniques, and technology to keep students interested and encourage exploration. I believe in the art of doing and that students learn more through collaborative and research-based art. Students will be encouraged to explore different mediums and learn about artists through research and play. Play as a teaching tool can help students use materials and techniques that they would be apprehensive to try formally. I will encourage students to take risks with their art and that many contemporary and art historical figures created work through risk. Opening the door for judgment-free exploration allows students to expand their knowledge and self-discovery.

The art room is an open community where students may express themselves freely. Each student has the right to speak their mind and be accepted. It is a community of creativity and discovery. Students have the opportunity to create positive change in their environment.

Motivation

Motivating my students is an integral part of my teaching process. It’s essential to take into account each student’s individual needs and to plan for multiple perspectives. I want my students to create work that reflects their environment and the world around them. Art can be used as an avenue for positive social change through personal reflection and communication. Students should be encouraged to create art that reflects their passions and opinions. I will expose students to art history, contemporary issues, and different mediums as motivation. My classroom will be as much a space for learning as it will be a place for artistic exploration. The students in my classroom will learn through experiences and experimentation. They will be encouraged to create art that is personal and important to them by incorporating their multicultural backgrounds and personal interests. Lessons will also integrate the standard core curriculum and bridge into other classrooms, such as English, Math, and Science. My goal is for my students to stay motivated throughout their art experience.

Management

My classroom management philosophy will provide students with a positive and safe learning environment. The goal is to establish the best ways to maintain the classroom and maximize the students’ opportunities to create.

Clear Rules and Principles

I will establish my rules and principles at the beginning of the year to prepare a safe environment for my students. The students will be required to sign a contract with their parents and me stating they understand my expectations in the classroom. My rules will be clear and concise, and my principles will promote a healthy environment. There won’t be too many, just enough to keep order.

Behavior

When a student acts out, I will start with a warning to consider their behavior before continuing. If they continue acting out, they will be instructed to write out why the behavior is wrong and how to correct it. Should the student continue, it will result in a note or call home—any continuation results in a trip to the principal’s office. I will never jump the level; it is the student’s right to have a chance to correct the behavior.

Student Organization and Productivity

To ensure my students remain organized and on task, they must put their other schoolwork inside cubbies near the door. A clear schedule will be posted on the board to ensure they always know what to do.

Teacher Availability

My students will know my hours to know when I can help them with their work. If a student should need my help at a time other than during my hours, I will do my best to help them.

Clear Instructions

I will provide students with clear instructions in multiple ways to ensure I help all learning types. The instructions will be written down on the board or on a worksheet, spoken aloud, demonstrated, and, should a student still need help, table-taught.