“Making art draws on…the acts of organizing, reflecting, judging, discriminating, selecting, and representing the raw material of the world. These thought functions are crucial to constructing meaning in every area of learning.”
— Brenda S. Engel, “Considering Children’s Art: Why and How to Value Their Works (1995)”
teaching philosophy
Curiosity and emotion are the driving forces behind many great artists and artworks. The art room should be a place where students explore and document their ever-changing passions and interests. I want my students to develop the skills to express their thoughts and gain the confidence to make their unique ideas visual. My art lessons have an emphasis on material techniques and explorations which lead to open-ended or theme-based projects. This gives students opportunities to make personal connections to the work they are creating, share ideas, and form connections about their identity and culture with their peers.
By developing skills in a variety traditional and non-traditional art techniques, students will gain the ability to express themselves beyond language. I seek to spark an energy in my students that will pass on a passion for hands-on creative investigations and self-discovery through creating with and connecting to the self, peers, and community at large.