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Art Teaching Philosophy |
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It’s said that “art imitates life.” If that is true, then it is my personal teaching philosophy that the skills and experiences students learn from the art process in my classes will help them to paint success and satisfaction into the big picture of their lives, no matter the path or profession they choose.
I design my lessons to be engaging and challenging. In my art room students learn not only how to make art, but how art has been made, and how it relates to their lives, through historical, multicultural and interdisciplinary perspectives. Integral to my teaching is the study of artists, past and present, whose lives I present to stimulate student inquiry and creative expression. The making of art is encouraged and enhanced by introducing new media and techniques into a lesson, especially when these relate to my own work as a teaching artist. Students also learn how to appreciate and evaluate artworks—my lessons incorporate individual and group reflection, assessment and critique, as I feel that speaking and presenting are vital skills all individuals should possess and practice.
I endeavor to provide an important balance for my students in their art room experiences, a balance between the joys of learning and creating, and the confidence and self-knowledge derived from critical, creative thinking and flexible decision-making that is so vital to the art-making process. I want my students to experience that sometimes, the most valuable lessons are the ones where the artist doesn’t succeed with their original vision. As a teaching artist, I can clearly show my students the results of thoughtful planning, a strong work ethic, the self-esteem boost of the making and discovery of art, and the recognition of achievement.
I place a great deal of importance on relating closely with my students. I feel strongly that being a highly visible part of their school life enhances that relatability—I make a point to be involved in my school community beyond the art room.
I am an art teacher who stimulates student’s imaginations while nurturing their creativity and artistic interests, not only with art instruction but with life experience—a teacher who is a highly accessible and vital part of a school community.
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Dan Deslaurier Educator & Artist |
