Teaching Philosophy Stephanie Potts I believe that each student is a unique individual that needs a safe and stimulating

atmosphere to explore his or her artistic creativity. Through an inquiry based learning technique, schoolteachers should act as a guide and allow the childrens natural curiosity to direct his or her learning. When an educator acts as a guide they become a teacher as well as a listener, and students learn to problem solve on their own, rather than being fed information for them to memorize and repeat. This freedom to explore their own interests nurtures critical thinking, problem solving, and life-long learning. Art provides a unique opportunity for educators to incorporate this democratic pedagogy. (Wilhelm, 2007). I believe the arts reinforce skills taught in other subjects, and allow students to view same topic from multiple angles. Integrating the arts with other subjects combines the creative engagement of arts activities with content from other subject areas, such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and technology. I believe that students benefit from a seamless interplay between art and other subjects through an integrated curriculum. Combining other subjects in a lesson reinforces skills and broadens the learning experience throughout the curriculum (Taylor, P.G.; Carpenter, B. S.; Ballenger-Morris, C.; Sessions, B., 2006). I believe that the arts allows for a multicultural curriculum that is relevant to all students. This can be achieved by introducing students to artists and artwork of various ethnicities and cultures. Because art is directly tied to ones cultural identity, students can investigate various cultures as well as their own. In the exploration of

various cultures, students will also explore their own culture and ethnic backgrounds. I believe collaborative art-making allows students to make connections, share ideas, and strengthen relationships. Collaborative art making allows the students to become a member of a team working together to achieve consensual goals. Collaborative practice also creates a sense of community and a gained respect amongst the students. Through community arts and the creation of public art pieces students are able to explore the world in which they live. Working within the community allows students to make real world connections outside of the classroom. This also gives students a sense of voice and pride in their community. I believe the arts allow students to make real world connections and explore issues that are culturally relevant to them. Art criticism can be a tool used to understand popular and media culture. In todays society students are surrounded by images. Being surrounded by media and having advanced technology at their fingertips, children in todays world are bombarded by imagery on a daily basis. Art education enables children to interpret this imagery critically instead of superficially. Students are able to comment on social issues that are culturally relevant to them selves (Marsh, J., & Millard, E., 2000). Subsequently, artistic production is an important tool for students to understand and critically view their world. I believe art is an internationally understood language in which people can communicate their ideas. The act of art making becomes a personal one that incorporates personal experience and voice. Therefore learning to express ones idea

through art is valuable. Since art is a way of visually communicating ideas, art education is also a way of teaching visual literacy and symbolism. Having these artistic skills is very beneficial for future careers. Because one-third of jobs in the United States involve the arts, arts education is a significant part of a students schooling.