why be an art educator???
My personal philosophy of teaching has been based on the idea of finding a balance of providing good instruction on technical skills and at the same time helping students develop their creativity. The benefits one can gain from being deeply immersed in art activates are priceless. Through art students learn skills that translate into many other areas of their lives. Students learn and are constantly exercising critical thinking, skills such as problem solving, and abstract thinking, and social skills. They learn things about each other and how to communicate, through critiques and sharing of their artwork. They learn the value of communal space through the art classroom, and use of the supplies and equipment. I also see art as a tool for empowerment. It is my hope that I will not only provide students with art knowledge and technical skills but also guide them to “see” the world through their own eyes and find and develop their own creative/ visual voice. The more I learn, and the more I try to put this into practice, the more I feel confident in this philosophy. I feel it is also important for me to stay current when it comes to information, new technology and materials in the area of art, so I can pass that knowledge on to my students and keep them up to date. It is very important to expose students to the artwork of the past as well as the present so they can push and create the art of tomorrow.