Since I was young, I have always had an interest in becoming a teacher. I look at the title of “teacher” as being a very influential role, a position which is an honor to occupy and an important form of public service. I knew I wanted to be in a position where I could contribute positively to the community as a leader (and have fun working with kids at the same time!).
Art is integral for cognitive growth and development of learning processes for all students; it is therefore important for art teachers to be figures that liberate students’ energy, capacities, and promote the development of the student, wholly, using art and visual culture to construct communicative, social, and affective abilities through critical thinking.
I believe that individualizing art experiences based on learning styles and allowing children to co-create knowledge among one another and alongside me as their teacher is an impactful and meaningful educational experience. Additionally, I plan to foster a learning environment in which processes are negotiated and teaching is based on an emergent curriculum. Students should be a part of their own process in the cultivation of creativity; that is, students should be engaged in setting their own expectations, both artistically and behaviorally, being responsible for classroom materials, supplies, and care of the space, as well as meaningful and critical discussion of theirs and others’ artwork, all incorporated as a part of classroom life.
I anticipate that as I enter the world of teaching, I will embark on journeys of constant learning; from my students, as a continuing academic, and more generally through the experiences that I will encounter throughout these endeavors. I hope to teach in such a way that concept is emphasized as important and method is negotiated to best express a student’s ideas. I hope to impart upon my students and the community in which I will be educating that art is a way of thinking, rather than a simple craft, and it is an important idea and something that should be constantly considered. All students possess a great capacity for learning, incredible competence in building knowledge, and an infinite wealth of potential for learning, as constant seekers of meanings and this should be remembered. Through the forging of relationships, we, teachers and students, make learning happen. Furthermore and most importantly, I hope to foster a community among students in which they are involved, socially and globally responsible, and thoughtfully creative young people.