Personal Statemet

I am one of those people for whom art has been a transformational force in their life, and it has provided me with a path forward when all other roads appeared to be closed. I have many teachers to thank for my achievements. They fortified my self-worth during difficult times, times when things seemed easy and natural for others but were difficult for me. Those teachers provided a space for me to discover my own intelligence.  That newfound intelligence took root and slowly grew, giving me direction and the confidence to take on challenges that, at one time, seemed far beyond my abilities. This led me to my tribe, and inspired a deep love for how the arts are interlaced throughout the many facets of life. Providing a space, both physically and emotionally, that celebrates and validates learners like myself was the catalyst that led me to a career in art education.

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At the start, it was clear to me that the students who came through my classroom doors were vastly diverse. There were the few for whom art was their mother tongue, but, for most, it was not - a shortsighted miscalculation on my part that shaped me as a teacher. I quickly learned how the visual arts can address the needs of everyone, and I have developed my teaching practice around the idea that there are infinite ways to approach making art and that art takes on an infinite number of forms. Art education provides me with a platform to teach my students to be careful observers, critical thinkers, and creative envisioners. I think that stretching ourselves and being reflective are essential in our personal growth. The artistic behaviors that I foster in the classroom are the same behaviors that will help students to be successful in all other classes - and in their lives beyond school. Teaching art is how I choose to make a positive impact on the world.

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Pedagogically, my practice is always evolving because I’m a life-long learner. I have failed, and will continue to fail because I take risks and try new things. This is part of my practice and what I expect from my students. Our goal is to learn, and learning isn’t a product. It is a process. Some artifacts of learning will naturally shine when juxtaposed with the many that do not. I believe in treating students of all ages like artists. I strive to give them direction over their work by providing them with choice. I’m curious about their choices and love to develop their thinking by asking them about their work and sharing observations. I assist them in the process of developing their craft. I hope to connect students with works that speak to their own interests and sensibilities. I strive to spark students curiosity in the vast cannon of amazing works that span periods, places and cultures.