My Teaching Philosophy
I live to discover. For me the heart of teaching lies in the ability to make new discoveries every day. Through discovery we learn more about ourselves and our standings in life. We learn to hone skills in abstract thinking, creative problem solving, and effective reflection. We also learn to develop open minds, take risks, accept chances, and gain a deeper appreciation for one another. As we make discoveries we engage in a magically, unique moment where unlimited learning and teaching possibilities exist.
One of my greatest strengths as an educator and an individual has been my ability to think and see things openly. It is this strength that will aid me in my desire to create an accepting classroom environment in which students will be willing to engage in discoveries where mistakes only stand to place them further towards their goal; where students can engage in collaboration without fear of being judged and where all talents can be utilized and strengthened; and where creativity leads them to a greater understanding of themselves.
Discovery entails the ability to be flexible. As such, I recognize that my role as a teacher will never stay the same. Each day and each moment within my classroom and with my students will require a new assessment of who I am. This means that some days I will need to be a mentor, a teacher, a facilitator, a leader, a counselor, and a friend.
For me, art has always been a primary means of making and documenting various discoveries in my journey through life. As such, my objectives as they fit with teaching and art for myself and my future students are as follows:
One of my greatest strengths as an educator and an individual has been my ability to think and see things openly. It is this strength that will aid me in my desire to create an accepting classroom environment in which students will be willing to engage in discoveries where mistakes only stand to place them further towards their goal; where students can engage in collaboration without fear of being judged and where all talents can be utilized and strengthened; and where creativity leads them to a greater understanding of themselves.
Discovery entails the ability to be flexible. As such, I recognize that my role as a teacher will never stay the same. Each day and each moment within my classroom and with my students will require a new assessment of who I am. This means that some days I will need to be a mentor, a teacher, a facilitator, a leader, a counselor, and a friend.
For me, art has always been a primary means of making and documenting various discoveries in my journey through life. As such, my objectives as they fit with teaching and art for myself and my future students are as follows:
- Place emphasis on human connectivity and students' ability to create positive change in the world.
- Teach students to value the contributions of others to create a globally accepting and nurturing society.
- Foster opportunities for self-expression, exploration, and confidence.
- Use technology in contemporary and innovative ways to promote learning and create connections.
- Instill value in the meaning-making and appreciation of art as well as the art-making process.
- Engage in an integrated approached to art education to build connections and enhance overall learning.
- Use art as an alternative means to navigate and communicate with society.
Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.
~ Sydney Gurewitz Clemens