Teaching Philosophy

To me, teaching is a way to communicate with others in the interest of building curiosity and excitement for learning. It should cause a spark that makes others want to continue learning and seeking things for themselves. It’s about creating a connection between people, their ideas, and feelings. It’s not always about relaying facts and helping someone achieve good grades; it’s about inspiring them to see the world in a new way and to find their own voice within it.

Learning is best done when hands-on. A mesh of sight, sound, and action facilitates all the parts of the brain to its highest levels of creativity. As an art teacher, it is also important to give an abundance of freedom in allowing that creativity to grow and blossom. Such as is done with TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior). Giving the students choices opens doors to learning and expanding their thoughts and ideas. It gives them an avenue to pursue creative thinking, problem-solving, and imagination. I also believe that experimentation is vital. Mistakes are a part of learning and sometimes mistakes can help the mind to grow more than always having the right answers. That is why giving a safe space for mistakes, experimentation, and growth is so important to provide.

Art is a form of freedom. It is how we can express what is inside ourselves. It can give our ideas a place in the real world and allow us to share with others in ways that words cannot. Art is important in any subject that is taught because it helps people to see patterns, emotions, and ideas in new ways. It is a connection between the brain and the heart.

Teaching, to me, inspires hope. It helps people to believe in themselves and their futures no matter what else may be going on in their lives. It’s not about today’s successes but about something much bigger. It’s about tomorrow and becoming the person you want to be. It’s about helping others discover their own passions and about building a better world, one idea at a time.