"I have no idea what I'm doing, but I think I'm doing okay." - Kathy M. Chung
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
Growing up, I did not have many close individuals who prepared me to make the choice to become an art educator. In order to pursue the arts, I had to look outside my circle and do my own research. In a way I was a self-taught artist, but I was not able to tap into my full potential until I met art educators and other artist peers that surrounded me with more ideas and resources than I could have found on my own. Making an environment and a community in which students can find camaraderie and ideas is the ideal I strive for as an educator and my purpose is to be able to provide students what they need in order for them to branch out naturally.
Students deserve a classroom in which they are allowed to be introduced to new artistic ideas and then have the choice to chase after deep artistic exploration. My ideal teaching environment is a classroom that is safe, warm, and colorful, piquing the interest of individuals by showcasing what they are capable of and where all skill levels are accepted. As the educator I would provide a variety of materials and the resources and information needed to further their knowledge. The classroom layout I envision has enough floor space for people to be able to get up and walk in order to have access to materials, the teacher, and other students in order to encourage communication and collaboration, while there is enough tables to do work on. Overall, the community that this room would make is one of support and encouragement, in both technical and applicable skills and and in the growth and pursuit of a creative arts career.
I believe that as an art educator, it is important to be Essentialist in order to progress and experiment. Ted Sizer says, “Learning should not only take us somewhere; it should allow us later to go further more easily.” Progressivism can still result out of helping a group learn the basics and foundations of art. When you provide the basis, students should be free to test, manipulate, and question the knowledge that the educator has presented them with.
Art can be a field where many beginners tread cautiously and are uncertain of where to begin. Giving a foundation is the goal I have as an educator so that students are armed with the tools they need as they deepen their personal practices and experimentation. From those roots, emerge branches and from those branches, creativity and ideas on how to apply artistic skills are nurtured. Having a foundation helps builds confidence in those who have no idea where to start and strengthen those who have already begun to grow.
Students deserve a classroom in which they are allowed to be introduced to new artistic ideas and then have the choice to chase after deep artistic exploration. My ideal teaching environment is a classroom that is safe, warm, and colorful, piquing the interest of individuals by showcasing what they are capable of and where all skill levels are accepted. As the educator I would provide a variety of materials and the resources and information needed to further their knowledge. The classroom layout I envision has enough floor space for people to be able to get up and walk in order to have access to materials, the teacher, and other students in order to encourage communication and collaboration, while there is enough tables to do work on. Overall, the community that this room would make is one of support and encouragement, in both technical and applicable skills and and in the growth and pursuit of a creative arts career.
I believe that as an art educator, it is important to be Essentialist in order to progress and experiment. Ted Sizer says, “Learning should not only take us somewhere; it should allow us later to go further more easily.” Progressivism can still result out of helping a group learn the basics and foundations of art. When you provide the basis, students should be free to test, manipulate, and question the knowledge that the educator has presented them with.
Art can be a field where many beginners tread cautiously and are uncertain of where to begin. Giving a foundation is the goal I have as an educator so that students are armed with the tools they need as they deepen their personal practices and experimentation. From those roots, emerge branches and from those branches, creativity and ideas on how to apply artistic skills are nurtured. Having a foundation helps builds confidence in those who have no idea where to start and strengthen those who have already begun to grow.