Teaching Philosophy

 Art education plays a fundamental role in personal growth that broadens the mind and fosters emotional wellbeing. I find all art forms to be healing and meditative for the soul as art allows for learners to discover their authentic self through self-expression. I find that both the visual and media arts help learners to gain a deeper understanding of their values, beliefs, and passions.  Creating art also enhances learner's critical thinking and problem-solving skills when facing and overcoming challenges. Cultivating creativity through artmaking encourages learners to take risks and experiment with hands-on materials that helps boost their confidence and self-esteem when they see what they are capable of creating. 

Throughout my own learning in teaching, I've discovered how to tailor my lessons within the curriculum to support the needs of my students while keeping an open mind on staying flexible within my instructional approach as I've found that the flow of the classroom is always changing. I strive to create a classroom environment where students are regarded as a community of creatives who can support each other by creating a positive space for everyone. I aim to have my students feel they can freely express themselves as unique individuals and to hold compassion for themselves and their community. I plan to incorporate engaging activities and collaborative projects where students have autonomy and choice that supports their interests for their art, further building their intrinsic motivation to create. Students will have an opportunity to connect and build relationships within their community through self-expression and creative play. Culturally responsive curriculums I create celebrates diversity that is empowering and meaningful to students.

My goal as an educator is to be a facilitator and guide to my students where I can best support their individual learning needs by observing, listening, and reflecting on their personal progress so I can meet them where they are and lead them where they need to be; to where my students can feel accomplished and self-fulfilled in independently creating a work of art that reveals their authentic self. ​

​