Teaching became my calling after I walked through Mrs. Canales’ 9th grade Art class at Alta Loma High School. I spent all four years in that same class as a student, student aid and even eating my lunch during school breaks. Mrs. Canalas’ classroom was the only place I felt I belonged and was safe. Throughout much of my education, I felt inferior and even dumb, until I found Art and that classroom. I want to be the teacher for students who feel inadequate, and not good enough for school. I want to teach Art to give students an outlet and that safe place it gave me. Students will never forget how a teacher made them feel. My teaching philosophy revolves around all learning styles and creating a safe place. I will be addressing various learning styles for each student unique to how they process information. In my experience so far in education, I have learned one learning style does not fit all. As an Art teacher, I want to know how all of my students feel when they are creating work important to them. My desire is to begin each school year with group building activities, purposely planned to create a sense of belonging. I also desire to be an effective Art teacher who creates success for all students who walk through my classroom door. I will achieve this by putting my focus on environment, which might include hanging Art pieces and areas of interest the students have expressed. I also plan to focus on community, I will do this by fostering a space of respect, diversity, and acceptance. Lastly, I will utilize my skills in classroom management in order to maintain a safe environment. I understand that each year will be different, including my class size or even a shift in curriculum. However, my teaching philosophy will remain constant.
Learning truly happens in a safe environment.
Learning truly happens in a safe environment.