My Philosophy
My philosophy is based on the premise that learning is key to one’s ability to exist, survive, and advance in our society. A well-rounded education offers students a plethora of unique experiences, helping them to discover their strengths and in doing so, teaches students to apply themselves and build self-confidence. As teachers, it is up to us to help students discover their unique talents, overcome academic and personal obstacles, and set meaningful goals which foster growth.
I became a teacher because I have always enjoyed working with kids. Being around children keeps me in touch with what is going on in our community and how I can play an active role. As well, I have always loved creating. Teaching art allows me to teach students the creative visual process, it also challenges me to develop new and innovative lessons that will grab students’ attention. Being an educator also allows me to pursue some of my other passions: integrating new methods and technology in the classroom; figuring out how to break down information into a comprehensible and memorable format and helping struggling learners find success. It is my mission to not simply be an educator, but an exceptional educator, to ensure that my students will be able to take care of themselves and succeed in their own right.
The perfect relationship between student and teacher is one built on a well-balanced combination of respect, trust, and discipline. This can be done by recognizing and respecting each others’ opinions, remaining empathetic to our differences, feeling free to respectfully communicate, and working cooperatively with the class. It’s important to establish an encompassing learning environment, where all students feel safe, comfortable, welcome, and appropriately challenged. Also, by collaborating closely with parents, fellow educators, and other members of the school community, we will be able to maintain a learning-oriented atmosphere that is focused on student support and success.
Teri with her Leroy Drive Elementary School students
Art education occurs through the use of a variety of different media however it needs to be presented in a meaningful manner. By beginning with a “Central Idea” students make connections to the classroom and then learn how they can take previous knowledge and connect it to something new. Learners need to be motivated, actively engaged in hands-on trial and error, provided with prompt feedback, shown a correlation between school and real life, and encouraged to take risks. By ensuring these items are met or included, a teacher is able to maximize the student’s learning potential and leave students with a desire to learn and do more. Additionally, it is essential that educators discover and incorporate students’ diverse interests in lesson plans and activities. If students are interested in what is being taught, they are far more likely to stay focused and willing to participate.
Children and the art of creating have always been passions of mine; therefore I have been fortunate in finding my dream job of teaching art and the creative visual process to young learners. I welcome the challenges of developing new and innovative lessons that students enjoy while they learn, and figuring out how to break down information into a comprehensible format so all students find success. My mission is to be an exceptional educator, to ensure my students will be able to achieve autonomy and appreciation in life’s aesthetics.
Children and the art of creating have always been passions of mine; therefore I have been fortunate in finding my dream job of teaching art and the creative visual process to young learners. I welcome the challenges of developing new and innovative lessons that students enjoy while they learn, and figuring out how to break down information into a comprehensible format so all students find success. My mission is to be an exceptional educator, to ensure my students will be able to achieve autonomy and appreciation in life’s aesthetics.
