Views on the Practice of Teaching Art

I believe strongly that everyone learns in their own way at their own pace, and that each student has something to contribute. As teachers, we must take the view of educating the whole person to facilitate the best learning experience possible in and out of the art room. The art room should be a place where everyone feels safe to express themselves and where all students, regardless of natural skill or ability, can find success in an art practice. In an environment of mutual respect, they will gain the skills necessary to see complex projects through to completion, develop problem-solving skills and integrate knowledge from their other coursework wherever possible. This will allow them to make and cement connections to concepts across the school curriculum.
     Art helps us with other practical skills and provides another lens through which to view what material culture means to us as a society. Begin with art, and economics, sociology, and engineering will naturally­­ follow. I believe in collaboration, both among students and teachers, and between schools and their communities. When people work together, inclusion and diversity of ideas are a natural by-product.

​On Classroom Management: Students should feel welcome, safe, and inspired in the art room. Students will be introduced to the studio with a few non-negotiable expectations. They are expected to be kind and respectful to others, themselves, and to their environment. The privilege of using the tools and studio space will be introduced gradually so that students learn to take ownership of and pride in the studio environment. Projects should be set up so that students move slowly and carefully to achieve a productive flow, keeping the noise level at a natural ‘low hum’.
     Students will be welcomed into the art room with familiar routines and rituals according to their developmental stage. For example, deep breathing, physical warmups, music, sketchbook time. They should see the art room as a place of calm and focus. Students will be called out for positive behavior and strong work ethic, or for disruptive behavior. They take responsibility in the art room, whether with cleanup and maintenance and/or in mentoring other students.

​On Diversity and Inclusion: All students are expected to achieve goals, and will be met where they are as often as possible. The aim is to get to know each individual student so that their particular needs can be met. As a classroom community, kindness is expected, and it will always be a safe space for expression and respectful discussion. All students will be provided with clear expectations and a clear path to success, based on engagement and effort. Students will be introduced to a variety of sources and voices as we explore visual culture through multiple narratives.