An art teacher with a passion for equitable education
Philosophy
The purpose of public education in America is to prepare future participants in our democracy. In my view, this means that we are preparing students to navigate the treacherous terrains of work, politics, language, technology, (mis)information, social relationships, culture, and all of the unpredictable and imminent shifts coming to our world. The next generations needs to develop skills that will make them more valuable than algorithms, and I believe those skills lie in creativity, communication, problem solving, and critical thinking. Art brings all of these skills together.
It is my privilege as an arts educator to build on student assets--interests, skills, language, culture, curiosity, and life experiences--to create and carry out curricula that support critical thinking and technical skills in the arts.
Students are not vessels into which teachers pour knowledge; they are seedlings who need the right resources and environment in order to thrive. Only when a student feels safe, validated, and engaged can they learn. My students know that I am invested in them as people first, and from that place of trust and respect I can teach.
Click link above to listen to an original keynote speech on developing academic language in the visual arts classroom
Click on the link above to view a multi-modal presentation of my musings on the role of visual literacy in our lives