Teaching Philosophy 

In my art classroom, I aim to ignite a spark of excitement and creativity in every student, creating a space where their unique ideas can flourish. A successful art education program should fuel students' excitement and creativity, empowering them through diverse projects that allow for personal direction and self-expression. My goal is to foster an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their work, confident that their unique artistic voices are valued. In my classroom, creativity is paramount, and I believe each student should have the freedom to explore and infuse their work with personal experiences.

Given the increasing presence of digital media, I’m dedicated to learning as much as I can about new technologies like AI to enhance my students' experiences. Integrating AI in the classroom not only prepares students for a technology-driven world but also allows for deeper exploration of art criticism and innovation. However, AI serves as a tool—not the final submission. I emphasize that art should come from the students themselves, with AI helping to refine rather than define their creations.

Social learning is also essential in an art classroom, as it requires mutual respect and collaboration. This is why I embrace both Teaching for Artistic Behavior and Studio Habits of Mind, which support self-expression beyond grading and establish structured working habits. I balance structured lesson plans with open-ended prompts, like asking students to explore meaningful memories, to provide boundaries while encouraging personal narrative.

As an artist myself, I understand the variable nature of the creative process. This experience helps me guide students at their own pace and offer instruction across a range of media. I create a constructive environment by establishing clear standards, incorporating aesthetics and art criticism, and implementing a self-check rubric for students to evaluate their own work before submitting it.

I aim to be a co-creator alongside my students. I view teaching as an opportunity to foster independence, providing them with suggestions and brainstorming support, while encouraging them to take ownership of their projects. Through this approach, I hope they leave my class understanding that creativity is limitless and that they have the freedom to explore all that art can offer.

Ultimately, I see teaching art as a way to empower students with a creative outlet, a form of communication that transcends words. By nurturing an environment that values and uplifts their work, I hope to instill in them the same passion and appreciation for art that I hold dear. The lasting impact I wish to leave is that art has no boundaries, and they have the potential to push artistic limits in ways that are uniquely their own.