My teaching philosophy begins with my dedication to my students. I feel that my students' success is my responsibility. This means that there are no excuses for my failing to reach each individual in my class. Similarly, I believe in treating my students with unconditional positive regard, while also assuring them that I have high expectations of their work. A skilled lesson plan, while highly important, is not enough to engage and inspire every student.

 

I am also motivated to teach in order to do my part to ameliorate the inequity within the current United States educational system. An achievement gap exists that has been created by poverty, institutionalized racism, and the inability of schools to meet the needs of English language learners. This has been exacerbated by the inability of our educational system to also fully meet the needs of children with physical, developmental and learning disabilities. Because of this achievement gap, I believe in being a culturally responsive teacher. However, becoming a culturally responsive teacher is a process that only begins with a teacher recognizing and affirming the cultural and individual differences in the classroom. It also includes making one's students feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. When a student feels “unsafe,” neurological and chemical changes inhibit the student’s ability to learn. One cannot learn when one is a defensive state. I often use humor to help put students at ease.

 

Finally, my teaching philosophy is also rooted in my love of art, and my belief that students can benefit from the excitement that the discovery of art can bring, and the confidence they can achieve through the creative process. I enjoy engaging with my students on a level that will create enthusiasm while also challenging them. I aim to inspire students to appreciate art and develop skills that extend beyond the art classroom. Art is a medium that is not only engaging, but it is also expressive. Art can reflect both the serious and the humorous, and can do so at the same time. Helping students to grow as artists, to find joy in art, to see how art can create positive connections with other elements of their education and the outside world, and to grow as human beings are each equally important facets of my teaching philosophy.