For EDUC450, I had many opportunities to learn about teaching in a variety of different ways. My placement was in two different art classes, one drawing class and one sculpture class. These allowed for me to not only learn about teaching these mediums, I was also able to learn about teaching in a virtual format. This allowed for an understanding of teaching from a different perspective. Engagement of students online vs in person is different, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work on both. 

My teaching philosophy is grounded in developing creativity in students. In the art classroom there are so many ways in which the teacher can develop curriculum. I strive to develop creativity in students and work towards teaching them the creative problem solving skills they will need throughout their entire lives. No matter what career students go into, we all need creativity. Creativity allows for development of problem solving skills, it helps us to solve the complex and numerous issues that are present in our world today. In order to do this students are faced with elegant problems, one with endless solutions. This allows for students to develop their creativity and make art that is solving these problems they are faced with. I decided to become an art teacher because art is something that I’ve always had a passion for. I always wanted to be a teacher, but never knew in what sense that would come about. Throughout my high school career, I had numerous amazing art teachers, and this inspired me to pursue art education. I want to spark this creativity in young people.

During my undergraduate degree, I have had numerous experiences that allowed for me to develop my own creativity, and therefore develop my teaching philosophy. I am working towards graduating with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts. This allows for me to have more experience with art making myself, therefore allowing me to better develop curriculum in the classroom. I myself am a fiber artist, which allows for me to have a perspective of my own, and helps me to work towards allowing students to develop these strong skills as well. Alongside this, I make work, and have exhibited in numerous galleries, such as the Curfman Gallery, the Glass Box Gallery, as well as the Art Lab. Because of this I have a unique perspective and create curriculum that encourages the creativity that is in all people. Alongside this during my undergraduate, I had the opportunity to teach in many forms as well as develop my own creative practice. I was an intern for Schacht Spindle Company in the Summer of 2019. This company makes looms, and this experience allowed for me to better understand my own practice. I also have numerous experiences in classrooms and other school related activities. I have had practicum experience in elementary, middle and high schools. I have developed lesson plans for students consistently, and asked them to explore and experiment with new materials. These expereinces have continued to develop my teaching philosophy. 

In my eyes art education is about more than having students all draw a tree, it is about encouraging and developing creativity. In that sense, I believe it is important to develop assignments that allow students creative freedom. Here, they are able to explore, experiment, make mistakes, develop techniques, solve problems, and so much more. In an ideal art classroom, students should all have works of art that are based on their own creative interests. As the teacher, I believe it is my job to facilitate learning, ask thought provoking questions, and provide support for creative endeavors. Alongside this, I am there to teach students about techniques and mediums that may be of interest. This allows for students to have a framework to jump from, and explore further