As an artist and educator I care deeply about the value of an education in the arts. I believe the arts can benefit students in their personal and educational development. As a teacher I also value the importance of teaching empathy, compassion, and commitment. I think it is important to allow for inclusion of diversity in the classroom by allowing all students to share their experience so I try to empower students with as much choice and voice in the classroom experience as possible.

 

I believe there are many different ways to learn so I am very conscientious of students learning styles and needs in the classroom. I always try to include a variety of activities for both learning and assessment in my lessons. I work to create a sense of community in the classroom and where possible I try to implement a constructivist model as I feel students benefit more when urged to be actively involved in their own process of learning.

 

I am passionate about awareness raising, activism, contemporary issues and socially innovative art practices so I often invite my students to research topics around climate change, stereotyping, bullying or endangered wildlife for example. I have found project based learning or inquiry based learning can really facilitate deeper and more engaging learning experiences for students when exploring real life issues through their art practice.

 

As an teacher, it is important for me to engage in professional development and discourse with other teachers, artists, theorists and researchers because this helps me to generate ideas, knowledge and skills in my field.