My Teaching Philosophy
For me, teaching fine arts is more than guiding students through technique or performance—it's about opening doors to imagination, connection, and self-discovery. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity and express who they are in a space that values their voice. The arts give them that space. That’s why I believe fine arts education isn’t just important—it’s essential. The arts have a unique way of engaging the imagination. When students create, they aren’t just making something beautiful—they’re learning to think differently, to see the world through a lens of curiosity and possibility. Whether it’s the spark of an idea for a painting or the energy of stepping into a character on stage, these moments help students develop creative thinking that they can carry into any part of their lives.
BUT IT’S NOT ONLY ABOUT IMAGINATION—IT’S ABOUT CRITICAL THINKING TOO. IN THE ARTS, STUDENTS ARE CONSTANTLY MAKING DECISIONS: WHAT COLORS TO USE, HOW TO Express a feeling, how to interpret a rhythm or line of dialogue. They learn to analyze, to revise, to reflect. They become thoughtful problem-solvers who are comfortable exploring complexity, asking questions, and trusting the process. One of the most powerful outcomes I see through the arts is confidence. There is something transformative about standing up and performing, or putting your artwork on display. It takes courage. When students take those risks and realize they can do it—that their ideas matter—they grow in ways that are hard to measure but easy to see. What I also deeply value is how the arts connect students to the world beyond their own experiences. Through creative work,
THEY EXPLORE DIFFERENT CULTURES, HISTORIES, AND VIEWPOINTS. THEY BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THAT ART IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE—ONE THAT HELPS BUILD EMPATHY AND BRIDGES ACROSS DIFFERENCEs. IN THE CLASSROOM, I SEE STUDENTS CONNECT WITH PEOPLE AND STORIES THEY MIGHT NEVER HAVE ENCOUNTERED OTHERWISE. It expands their worldview and teaches them not just to observe, but to care. This is why I’m committed to advocating for the arts in our schools. They are not an “extra”—they are fundamental. They help shape well-rounded, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent individuals who can imagine a better future and feel empowered to help create it.
