REFLECTION AND VISION

Art has always been a passion in my life. Whether I was making mud pies or paintings, I have never seen the world without an artistic lens. The realization to become an art educator never occurred to me until I went on an Alternative Spring Break trip in the spring of sophomore year of college. In Detroit, I realized that I was happy and confident because I had outlets that allowed me to express myself. I saw the youth in Detroit scared, misguided, and hopeless. In that moment, I knew I had a duty to inspire individuals to express themselves. To me art is not about creating a beautiful masterpiece, but a combination of exploring, playing, creating, and reflecting.

Throughout my experiences in art education, I realized that getting to know your students and colleagues is extremely valuable. Every student matters and the better you understand each student as an unique individual the better you can understand the entire class. The ability to reach the needs of each student and encourage them to go above and beyond their expectations of themselves comes from knowing your students and being adaptable to individual circumstances. Getting to know your colleagues can help aid in working collaboratively to integrate other subjects. Additionally, the better you know your colleagues the better you understand your resources for students.

My student teaching helped show me that I could connect to over 350 individuals and get to know each student. I developed meaningful student teacher relationships that helped me understand what would effectively benefit each student. Being relatable, adaptable, and myself allowed students to see me for who I am. The students treated me with respect and viewed me as an educator.

During my student teaching internship, I taught using the TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) curricula.  I plan to continue to  teach using TAB and the Studio Habits of Mind. Students need to be more confident in making proactive decisions and TAB promotes student choice. This freedom allows students to explore what is important to them and build on skills to create what they wish to create. Additionally, I will encourage integrated lesson plans and collaborative projects.

I felt comfortable in the role of the teacher, and my students felt comfortable in the classroom. In the beginning of my student teaching, I struggled with being an authoritative presence, but as my experiences grew I learned how to take command over a room without using power. I never want to be an educator that uses my rank to gain the respect of my students. Instead, I was patient and respectful and with time I was viewed as a leader.

I wish to continue to grow an educator and an individual. First, I will continue to work in art education, gaining experience in different areas of the field. Additionally, I will continue to teach yoga and develop  my yoga practice. Yoga has taught me acceptance of myself and others. I plan to always expand my personal art and yoga practice. In the future, I hope to undergo professional growth by teaching in low socioeconomic areas, bringing art to students who can use art to empower themselves.

I believe the arts are an accessible way to transform education and reach all students, regardless of ability, language, or socioeconomic statues. I look forward to inspiring the next generation of students through teaching art.