Teaching Philosophy
Education has always been a special part of my life. I am a life-long learner and after having a 13 year career in corporate technology, I have come to understand that instead of working with machines in the present, I would rather inspire young minds towards the future. I believe that Reading, Writing, Math, and Science should not be the only subjects emphasized. Philosophy and Literature, Arts and Music – these subjects foster creativity, critical thinking, and exceptional problem solving skills as well as provide an outlet for individual expression and should be included with the “essentials” as part of a complete classroom environment. I practice a teaching approach meant to inspire learning as a continuing process, something that challenges the intellect and inspires the psyche. Da Vinci stated, “…people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things." I want my artists to “happen to things.”
I am an artist and a writer. I paint, use inks, and do digital art. I write short stories, poetry, and once a year, novels. In the gallery you will find some of my work. There are both digital art pieces and photography. I tend to bring in current art to my classroom on a regular basis, whether it is in the form of posters to discuss, books to look at, or activities that combine art with other subjects. I believe student expression is one of the greatest tools for connection, regardless of the subject. If a student is connected to the subject, they absorb so much more about it than when they are struggling to make sense as to why it applies to them. Art and writing are great ways to give a student the means to connect information to their lives.
Art and writing are both a personal passion and a life's work. I bring that passion to the classroom and to my students, regardless of age or ability. Writing and Art are communication, being heard. Students respond to adults that hear their voices. My goal in a classroom, therefore, is to help a student express their voice in their all studies, regardless of the form that expression takes. Choice based art allows the students to have as much voice possible as they create, problem solve, challenge themselves, and grow as artists. Ask me about TAB!
I am an artist and a writer. I paint, use inks, and do digital art. I write short stories, poetry, and once a year, novels. In the gallery you will find some of my work. There are both digital art pieces and photography. I tend to bring in current art to my classroom on a regular basis, whether it is in the form of posters to discuss, books to look at, or activities that combine art with other subjects. I believe student expression is one of the greatest tools for connection, regardless of the subject. If a student is connected to the subject, they absorb so much more about it than when they are struggling to make sense as to why it applies to them. Art and writing are great ways to give a student the means to connect information to their lives.
Art and writing are both a personal passion and a life's work. I bring that passion to the classroom and to my students, regardless of age or ability. Writing and Art are communication, being heard. Students respond to adults that hear their voices. My goal in a classroom, therefore, is to help a student express their voice in their all studies, regardless of the form that expression takes. Choice based art allows the students to have as much voice possible as they create, problem solve, challenge themselves, and grow as artists. Ask me about TAB!