As the semester surprisingly is coming to an end (and what a semester it has been!), I find myself revising my "Top Ten's" for my teaching philosophy. I am going to write out ten that I am thinking of now, and then re-read my old list and compare. Ok here we go! Top Ten's: 1.) I believe students succeed in an environment based on growth mindset. 2.) I believe students succeed in an environment that invites, celebrates, and learns from mistakes. 3.) I believe students succeed in an environment that cultivates ideation and discovery through productive struggle. 4.) I believe students succeed in an environment that welcomes and cultivates vulnerability (for both the student and teacher). 5.) I believe students succeed in an environment that values the process of art making and play just as much as the end product. 6.) I believe students succeed in an environment that is representative and respectful (between peer to peer relationships as well as teacher to student), that allows them to feel safe, seen, and understood. 7.) I believe students succeed in an environment that provides a community support system between parents, teachers, and students. 8.) I believe students succeed in an environment that allows them to own their learning and create art that is personal and pertinent. 9.) I believe students succeed in an environment of teacher-guided choice-based learning. 10.) I believe students succeed in an environment that honors the arts for the value they bring: problem solving, research, collaboration, therapy, mindfulness, etc, and holistically teaches art and welcomes cross-content curriculum. Time to compare...Here are my Top Ten's from the beginning of the semester: Teaching Philosophy "Top "Ten's": I believe students succeed when they are in an inclusive, representative, safe environment. I believe Art Education provides students with problem-solving and communication skills applicable to all areas in life. I believe Art Education allows students to express who they are and discover who they are. I believe students need time to experiment, play, and struggle with their materials. I believe teachers must respond with empathy and understanding. I believe students succeed with healthy relationships with their teachers. I believe teaching should be student centered, choice based. I believe in the celebration of failures (and the growth that comes after). I believe successful teachers learn alongside students, constantly adapting their content. I believe teachers are the student's guide for relevant and active learning. After reading through these, I think there are a lot that are similar, but my older list is more scattered and random, while my new list seems a bit more concise and specific. I know by the time next semester ends, my list will change and be refined, and hopefully continue to. I think their is power and importance in a teacher who knows they are also there to learn and to grow. A new point I made, was creating a space that allows for vulnerability. I know this sounds odd, but the more I grow into myself as an educator and artist, I am seeing the immense importance of this. Brene Brown states that "vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, innovation, and change" (The Power of Vulnerability). When we allow ourselves and our students to be vulnerable (which requires cultivating a space of belonging and acceptance), students feel free to make mistakes, learn from them, and make art that is incredibly personal and intentional. I used to think teachers must have it altogether all the time. While I do believe in the importance of organization, confidence, and structure, I also now see the importance of showing your students that even I mess up sometimes, even I am still a learner in this world, even I need to ask for help, and all of that is okay. All of that means we are human, giving us the birthright to infinite worthiness and capability to create beautiful, powerful, and challenging art. I remember reading a post from Humans of New York where they interviewed a young girl, and here's what she said about her art teacher: “I think most teachers try to act like they’re a higher status, and they’re above us. It’s probably because our parents are paying them to teach us things. Maybe they’re just taking the teaching part a little too serious. But our art teacher Ms. Grierson isn’t like that. She’ll admit her mistakes. She’ll point out her own flaws. She gives off this vibe like she’s not just a teacher, and you can talk to her about more than just school. You can tell her about your personal life. But not just your problems-- you can also tell her fun stuff like what you’re going to do on the weekend. She’s also crazy. Really crazy. One kid brought in an umbilical cord from his mother, and everyone was freaking out, but she didn’t even care. I used to think that art was like drawing a person and it had to look perfect. But Ms. Grierson says, and I’m quoting her on this: ‘Art doesn’t have to look good, because the process is more important. It’s about how you came up with the idea. We’re here to pose questions, not give answers.’” (Hong Kong) www.instagram.com/p/B4aP2e3HHeO/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet Today I hope to be a teacher like Ms. Grierson who doesn't act like she's a higher status. Because when we are able to crouch down to the level of a child and look for art in the dirt and the flowers and the bugs with them, that's where the magic and the learning happens! When we are able to be vulnerable with our struggles and weaknesses, we give our students the freedom to do the same.
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