Teaching Statement

 

            During educational experience at Old Dominion University I have studied a variety of teaching methods and techniques, but it was not until my student teaching experience that I was able to discover my own philosophies and teaching style.  My goal as a teacher is to teach students about their community, culture, and identity through art production methods while studying artist of the past and present.  I facilitate students in finding a higher level of success by allowing them to feel safe in expressing their own ideas or opinions, verbally and visually by using concept based lesson plans.  I teach students how to be independent decision makers and how to use problem solving skills.  Another main goal I have as a teacher is to show the students how to interact with their community and peers in a positive way by involving them in juried art shows, art auctions with their own artwork, parent- student art nights, and by student art clubs and organizations.  I practice efficient classroom management skills and use collaboration techniques. I also engage students on a higher levels of art production, criticism and aesthetics.