Hello

My Teaching Philosophy 

Values:

As a practicing artist and art educator, I am dedicated to fostering a learning environment where student voice is not only encouraged but celebrated. I firmly believe that every student possesses a unique perspective and artistic vision, and it is my mission to empower them to express themselves through their creative practice. I value the diverse range of learning and individual outlooks that my students bring to the classroom.

In my teaching philosophy, I prioritise flexibility in the curriculum to accommodate the varying interests and talents of my students. I understand that each student has their own strengths, passions, and learning styles, and I am committed to tailoring the curriculum to provide opportunities for them to explore and excel in the artistic mediums that resonate with them. Recognising diverse learning styles, I tailor projects to allow students to explore and excel in the classroom. 

For example, in one project where students were working in their visual journals, I had a students with cerebral palsy and very limited movement in their hands so we moved them to working in an online sketchbook to better accommodate their needs and they then thrived using this form of differentiation. This approach not only enhances their engagement with the subject matter but also encourages a sense of ownership and pride in their work, and enjoyment in the subject. 

Experience:

I am deeply dedicated to creating an inclusive classroom and school environment for all students. I strive to ensure that my classroom is a safe and welcoming space for students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. By doing so, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect, where all students can thrive academically and artistically.

I have always been exposed to the world of additional needs as my brother has cerebral palsy and I have helped care for him my whole life so the sense of belonging I find with this community helps strengthen my relationship with using art to help students express their needs. My school placement has equipped me with a deep understanding of the evolving needs of students and the significance of art education within the curriculum. Art is a reflection of individual perspectives and diverse outlooks, which is why I believe in shaping the curriculum, learning and experiences around the students to provide a student centred learning environment. It is essential to create a curriculum that respects the students individuality while providing a solid foundation in art fundamentals. 

In working with Transition Year students on a community partnership mural, I witnessed the powerful impact of collaborative projects. It highlighted the significance of inclusivity in the classroom, not only in terms of students diverse abilities in using art as a means of partnership, but also in the way students can work together to create meaningful art that has a positive impact on the wider community.

Knowledge:

I prioritise the development of their techniques and skillsets while providing the space and tools for individual exploration. My aim as a teacher to facilitate Collaboration and personal reflection are integral to this process, helping students build the confidence to express their unique artistic voices and become creative critical thinkers. I recognise the uniqueness of art as a post-primary subject, offering a safe and inclusive space for students to explore and grow. I aim to inspire learners to explore new knowledge both independently and collaboratively, encouraging active engagement in their learning journey. 

My commitment to students fostering the skills in order to create art is also backed up by my desire for them to understand, and learn to love and appreciate art history as I do. I strive to feed my students with artists of a variety of styles, contemporary, backgrounds and disciplines so they are always aware of the importance of art and how wide they can reach in terms of their own practice while providing a solid foundation in the fundamentals of art. 

Through experimentation with materials, skills, and techniques, students can develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through formative, and summative assessments, tailoring feedback to each students’ unique learning experiences. Communication serves as valuable tools for facilitating understanding and learning between teachers and students. Ultimately, my goal as a teacher is to boost students' confidence in integrating their knowledge and interests with their creative skills in art, craft, and design.