Philosophy of Education

Albert Einstein once said, I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my

imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited.

Imagination encircles the world. Within the walls of an art classroom the imagination of

a student is the only thing that holds them back from endless possibilities. I provide the

students the knowledge to imagine anything they wish to create. In order to foster such a

creative classroom a teacher needs to be able to monitor learning, allow the students to

explore themself, and teach the students to respect all things and people.

A teacher needs to guide their students to learn not push them. When the teacher

is not the primary source for information, the students must search within themselves or

through other sources in order to find their answer. In order to retain this knowledge, the

students will have to use it in an authentic situation. During my student teaching I had the

students paint in an impressionistic style. At first the students were confused on what

colors they should use and how to capture the quick strokes of the 19th century French art

movement. Throughout the project students were talking with one another and discussed

ways to solve the problems they were having.

Self-discovery is a must in an art classroom, for it allows the students to study

themselves and their interests. Creating art allows students to reflect upon themself and

express their emotions through a visual form. Giving students the opportunity to

incorporate themselves into their work invites them to become more involved in their

own piece. When a student becomes more involved they will be more likely to succeed

since they are putting a bit of themselves into each piece of art they create.

Showing students how not only to respect themselves, but others and the

equipment, will provide a safer environment in which to succeed. In the classroom when
a student respects the teacher, they are more willing to push themselves in order to excel.

Art critiques are one way in order to teach the idea of respect. When each student has a

chance to be heard and voice his or her own ideas it creates a safe space to freely express

themselves. I believe that when teaching you must make sure that fair and consistent

rules are in place that allows this free expression to benefit, and not take away, from the

art being created.

Education provides a chance for continuous growth and development. I want to be

able to instill the idea that learning can be fun and that there is not just one way to learn.

In order to work with children I feel that you need to be strong, compassionate, and

dedicated to each and every student you teach. For students to be successful, they need a

strong education and a teacher who is going to help the students succeed. I am that

teacher and will always strive for my students success.