One of my favorite contemporary female artists, Ana Mendieta once said, “Art is the way I re-establish the bonds that tie me to the universe.” This quote speaks of the importance of relating art to real-world connections. As an educator and artist, I aim to create an inclusive space and engaging curriculum that encourages students' self-expression, inspires creative practices, and explores universal ideas. I believe education should prepare students for life beyond the classroom. By providing a safe and inclusive space, students will feel motivated to challenge themselves creatively and feel supported in doing so.
Students learn best when they feel a sense of belonging. In my classroom, I want students to appreciate having their perspectives valued and feel comfortable being their authentic selves. In my opinion, the purpose of education involves teaching students fundamental facts and skills along with the ability to be positive contributors to society. As an art educator, I am adamant about instilling a progressive approach in my teaching. Progressivism in education is a philosophy that empowers students to be at the forefront of their learning through hands-on experiences and interpersonal collaboration. This method helps students to think critically and build an appreciation for different cultures and experiences while being in a space where they feel valued and included.
In past classroom environments, I have experienced what it feels like to be discouraged by limiting expectations, and want to apply an alternative approach where students practice all forms of creative expression through traditional and experimental methods. I have always felt at home in creative environments and will build a classroom where students can thrive in the same way. I plan to do this by creating a space where students can connect with the materials more intuitively. As someone who admires the process of being hands-on, I want to support exploration and experimentation that enhances critical thinking and intrinsic motivation. I would like my students to learn that art is a way of thinking, problem-solving, and an outlet for self-expression.
Furthermore, inclusivity, respect, and comfort are at the heart of my teaching philosophy. Every student brings different backgrounds and strengths to the classroom, and it is important to me that everyone feels represented. That is why I will commit to incorporating culturally inclusive teaching and providing differentiated instruction to help students feel confident in their learning. I plan to achieve this through methods such as bilingual support, visual demonstrations and guides, and activities that reflect different learning styles.
Education is a journey for students and for me as a teacher as well. I hope to help my students grow as more than just learners but as unique individuals by emphasizing a student-centered approach. Ultimately, through art exploration, I aspire to help students understand the role of art in the world and their place in it.
