As an educator, I believe it is essential to empower yourself with both knowledge and skill, thus increasing self-confidence. I believe the purpose of educators is to help young people reach their full potential and grow into critical thinkers. As leaders to students, we teach them about real-world applications to our subjects. Art education lets me reach students to serve these ideas.

     Teachers can get to know students much more quickly in art. We share our passions, our fears and our lives. These stories help students develop their own identities. Students learn to visually communicate ideas, thus building creative problem-solving skills. Upon reflection at the end of a project, the student will learn from each others' shared experiences. I will challenge my students' thinking with new ideas. I will incorporate art history as well as more modern art to help them develop knowledge and appreciation of others. I plan to keep learning about new techniques and materials to challenge myself and give new opportunities to my students.

     To create a rich learning environment, I will maintain a safe environment. I prefer a happy medium between traditional and progressive education. Students need room to experiment and play. I believe questions are more important than answers. Each work may not be a masterpiece, but it is important to know that the student took a risk in their work. I will grade the student's work on the participation and effort applied, not the final product. I want my students to know that even though they may not be the best in art, they are brilliant in another subject area. I will include interdisciplinary lessons in my curriculum so the students can make real-world connections.

     Art is more than just playtime or craft time. It is learning about and expressing oneself and ideas. As an art educator, I will foster those ideas. I want my students to not only succeed, but to flourish.