Arts Education 

My philosophy for arts education involves a multifaceted approach, utilizing conceptual and technical aspects, supported by cross-disciplinary skills. In a process that both inspires creativity and imparts content knowledge, students will be introduced to a variety of concepts applicable both in and out of the art classroom. To better support this, special attention will be placed on creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment so that students can grow and learn to their fullest potential.

  The conceptual portion of arts education revolves around developing ideas. In this area, students will be prompted to explore concepts that connect expression and creative growth. This will encourage the development of deeper meaning and purpose in the student’s artwork. This important component of expressing one’s ideas is central to finding fulfillment in the creative process. One example of how I plan to achieve this is a mindfulness project. Students will be guided to create and maintain an art journal or sketchbook; this project will facilitate the generation of new ideas and allow for the opportunity for self-expression. Through this process of sketching and recording ideas in a manner that can be easily revisited, progression will be documented in a manner both beneficial for the students and the teacher. Once these conceptual themes are established, they will be revisited as the class continues as they are an integral part of creating meaningful artworks.

  The technical portion of artistry is the implementation of tools and materials. These varied formats allow students to express their ideas in new and interesting ways. With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, students will be presented with a variety of techniques that will build upon one another. Fundamentals such as the elements and principles of art, design thinking, and color theory will be incorporated with projects crafted to improve techniques such as drawing, painting, and sculpting. Skills learned here can be applied in a variety of settings and disciplines. Students will develop improved methods of communicating and presenting detailed information. I also feel that it is important to address the ever-growing forms of digital art, skills gained here can be incorporated into any modern field, from helping create a more engaging presentation to improving communication skills.

  In the pursuit of understanding practical and conceptual facets of art, students will be taught a variety of cross-disciplinary skills that will aid them in their overall academic achievement. I believe that developing a growth mindset is one of the most crucial aspects of learning we can impart to our students. Through challenging exercises and projects designed to stimulate deeper thought, students will be provided with many opportunities to achieve. There are also additional components of art that I feel will lead to long-term student success, they include developing better communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and improving their ability of visual observation. These skills will be developed through studying a variety of professional artworks in both a historical and modern setting. Additionally, through sharing and discussing their works, the students will not only learn valuable skills for working in a group setting but also achieve personal satisfaction with their creative abilities.

  To fully support this balanced approach to art education, special considerations will need to be taken when developing the classroom setting. Students will need to be in an environment where they feel safe and supported. Building trust with students and encouraging empathy and understanding amongst themselves is a key factor in this process. Art can be a useful tool in facilitating good mental health. If properly approached, art allows for diverse forms of expression and communication amongst students. Once established, the classroom community will continue to evolve allowing the students to gradually become more comfortable with expressing their thoughts and ideas to one another. In this classroom environment, students will be able to learn more efficiently and be presented with varied forms of instruction as well as improved engagement with each other. Introducing students to a wide variety of arts from various cultures and time periods will further emphasize the importance of embracing diversity and developing tools for better understanding others.

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Inclusivity in the Classroom 

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I feel it is crucial that all students are provided with the tools and resources that they need so that they each can have the opportunity to learn effectively. Every student should be provided with the support they require to grow in both their academic and social endeavors. This support can be provided in a multitude of ways and the formula for success will be unique for every individual.

  In my classroom, students will be presented with opportunities to express themselves in a safe and inclusive environment. Students will be guided to explore concepts of art such as form, composition, negative space, and meaning. While tackling these large concepts, students will also be introduced to a variety of technical skills that can be adapted in multiple ways that are tailored to fit the needs of each student. For example, if a student has difficulty with reading, instructions can be provided verbally, with physical examples, or step by step with images. If a student has trouble with a particular medium, other options can be explored, finding creative and imaginative solutions is a fundamental aspect of art. While I will push every student to challenge themselves and try new things, the focus will always remain on the student’s individual effort and growth.

  The IDEA states that it is important to create a positive and stimulating environment and through the arts, this goal can easily be achieved. Providing students with the accommodations they need will allow them to achieve educational goals. In addition, the accommodations will also enable them to explore their creativity and grow in their expressive and social abilities. Through art, the opportunity for meaningful connections can be found for all students, those who may have trouble in other areas can suddenly find a powerful opportunity to communicate with the world around them.