My teaching philosophy
I teach in the same way I create. I am passionate about both. Making artwork allows me to do things I've only thought about and find a way to make it real. Teaching art allows me to help others find their own passion and voice from within. I am able to give my students tools that enable them to create images or objects that they never thought possible. When art concepts and criteria are put forth in specific ways, students can learn to solve problems in unique ways; each with a different set of answers, yet still all can be correct. In this way, an education which incorporates art has the potential to teach incredible creative problem solving skills. Students who learn to think in this way find answers to problems and challenges that their peers cannot. Creativity is an essential life skill and it can be taught. I believe teaching involves much more than simply imparting the knowledge of my subject field to my students; it is about the relationships created. Every student has qualities that make up a unique individual. When those qualities are recognized and valued in the classroom, it lends itself to creating more success in each student. I work with my students individually to get to know who they are so I am more able to meet their specific needs through the use of differentiated instruction. My extensive experience with ELA students has given me an appreciation for the value of all cultures in the classroom as well as imbued in me the importance of cultural sensitivity. I am an award winning and experienced high school visual arts teacher. Outside of school I have worked with students of all ages. I've worked with groups of senior citizens in city programs; young children, teens, adults and seniors in my own private school; and with a variety of ages teaching private lessons. I've worked in private homes, non-profit art studios, for profit businesses, as well as art centers. I've taught workshops at state and regional art conferences. I have also taught workshops for the Sanford Corporation highlighting and demonstrating their line of art supplies. I have had many scholarly and educational articles published in the art magazine Collage. Some of my art lessons can be also found on the site The Incredible Art Department on line at www.incredibleart.org. |
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