The arts are an integral part of life. Art knows no boundaries in culture or time, and encompasses all academic disciplines. Education in visual arts teaches vital skills for holistic learning, and living. Art opens doors of perception, communication, and comprehension. As an art educator I intend to guide my students through their stages of academic, social, and personal development during the time we have together by engaging them in all inclusive hands-on learning experiences. As my students depart, I want them to know that they are capable of thinking creatively and solving problems, recognize art in every aspect of life, and have a stronger sense of self.

I will provide opportunities for my students to think critically and practice problem solving techniques by presenting challenges and successes. Through partnering with my fellow teachers and community, I will help students make connections between other disciplines as appropriate. Art has a unique quality of seeing from a variety of perceptions in which the art teacher has the unique position of nurturing.

Students’ social skills will be enhanced through exploration of diverse cultures of yesterday and today. This exploration will foster greater tolerance and acceptance of others in my students, open communication lines between them, and provide opportunities to make connections between their lives and the lives of others.

I will encourage deeper thinking in my students, challenging them to think outside the box in visualizing “what is art?” I will facilitate the discovery of new concepts and the creation of original ideas. I will act as mentor for students as they search to find their sense of self through their creative endeavors. I will try to motivate students to persevere in their efforts, instill self-pride in their outcomes, and persuade them to find their ambition. The discipline of art is open, accepting and promising to young adolescents; and the act of creating is self-rewarding. Students in my class will succeed on levels most touchable by the art of creation.

I have a personal obligation to teach young adolescents to recognize art in every aspect of life, to think outside the box, and to experience the beauties of the world beyond home and school. I want to instill in them a sense of self confidence, and a positive attitude on life. At the rate the world is currently changing, I feel that it has become necessary for educators to teach the whole child, especially young adolescents. By this I mean to teach students skills of independence such as self discipline, self motivation, self exploration, and self acceptance. I believe that visual art teaches this type of self realization that children need to become productive and personally fulfilled citizens.