Teaching Philosophy

By Melissa D. Calder

I believe that the study of art is an important factor in the sequential process of learning. In order for students to become socially equipped humans and individuals who serve a purpose in this world, art and the philosophy behind the subject should be understood. There is a power behind understanding art, which can be understood via studying all aspects of its creation. Art brings fulfillment to my life and I wish to share this with my students by teaching them to enjoy and recognize beauty, to discover new things and to think critically about the world. These acts can promote invention, change and progression, all things in which society relies on in order to continue.

My art classroom will be a therapeutic and creative environment. An art classroom is unique because the student is given the time and tools to experiment, create, and imagine, which appeals to all types of learners. Students will be trained to understand aesthetic design, art techniques, and visual and verbal communication. I believe it is important to emphasize art production from both technical and emotional aspects. Developing student’s compassion, desire, appreciation and respect for their artwork and others artwork can lead to more motivated individual growth and maturity.

I will encourage students to incorporate both their artistic and personal values in everything that they do; helping them to realize the importance and power they have as individuals. I will provoke inquisitiveness and contemplation during the assessment of their work. Students will be shown the connections between what they study in art and other subjects, and especially in the things they encounter and see every day. This connection will serve as a starting point for each student to reflect on themselves and the world around them.

It is my plan to be an inspiration and role model to my students as my teachers were to me. I want my students to want to grow and be well-rounded intellectual individuals. My ultimate goal is to create memorable arts based educational experience that is built upon academic subject standards as well as human practice. The education I will provide will include the methods I have learned from my teachers, and from my own personal educational and professional experiences. This includes being flexible in order to adjust and have creative adaptations in classroom management and curriculum development. A small amount of personal attention and encouragement from a teacher can spark curiosity and growth in knowledge within a student’s mind. I desire to implement all I have declared while maintaining and demonstrating the passion I have for the subject of art.