Teaching Philosophy
As an art educator, I find it important to instill in my students the value of a well-rounded education. In addition to academic success, it is vital that children are not merely exposed to the arts, but actively encouraged to explore every media as a means of self-discovery and a support of self-esteem.
At the elementary level, exploration of materials and methods, presented in lessons that support academic studies while creating true art in its own right, is the ideal. Working as a team with the entire faculty, I am in favor of coordinating art lesson plans with the subject matter studied in other lessons. For example, if the second-grade classes are learning about how the eyes and brain blend small dots of color to make new colors, I would present an art project in which the students explore pointillism. A fourth-grade class studying math skills of geometry, spatial sense, patterns and relationships would be challenged to transfer an original graphed design to a beaded wall hanging. Sixth-graders studying the Westward Expansion period of American history would explore James Merritt Ives and Fanny Palmer's lithograph Westward the Course of the Empire Takes Its Way in addition to creating artwork of their own related to this period in history.
Secondary level art classes should begin with the foundations of two- and three-dimensional design and drawing techniques, progressing to individual exploration of a variety of media and styles. While keeping the spirit of the middle school art classroom light-hearted and fun, the students should know that creating art requires discipline and dedication; art class is not play time and an easy 'A' without taking the lessons seriously. Some art history and basic skills of art and design should be introduced, coinciding with exploration of materials so that interest is not lost in strict discipline. High school art classes should be conducted in much the same manner that college courses are offered: intense study of art history and strictly disciplined foundations followed by exploration of media and style. At this level of education, students participating in art classes are likely to continue their studies at the university and would benefit from intensified art lessons in order to prepare them for their college career. In addition, the diversified options in art careers would be explored during the junior or senior year of high school.
At all levels, enjoyment of the artmaking process should be emphasized; natural ability or lack thereof is secondary to enthusiasm and effort.
