There are those who see the art classroom at a place for students to relax and create art for therapeutic purposes. Then, there are those who see the art classroom as a space for learning new skills, vocabulary, history, and techniques with the same rigor as what’s expected in the core classes of science, math, history, and language arts. I strive to create a classroom climate that is a healthy combination of both where students feel comfortable and low-stress but also have high expectations of themselves and of what they are capable of. I am especially interested in experimental techniques that encourage students to be uncomfortable, try new things, and question their own abilities and what they think they know about art and the world around them.
I see the art classroom as a place where learning occurs between the students and teachers in a cooperative and loving environment rather than the model in which the teacher bestows knowledge while students process it. I also believe it is important to not only create art but also to look at art, write about art, and talk about art from all over the world and from all periods of history. I feel very strongly about connecting students with artwork from a variety of indigenous cultures in addition to Western art. By broadening the scope of what is traditionally taught in the art classroom, I hope to instill a love for art in a wide-ranging and diverse student population.