As an artist and educator, I am excited to share my passion for our visual world. I want to inspire my students to embrace the power and delight of artistic expression and to discover how art can influence, motivate, and nurture both its creator and its audience. My goal is to help my students recognize that art is everywhere, that it is accessible and achievable, and that they, too, have contributions to make.
The most important aspects of my practice are connection, kindness, and acceptance. I am committed to finding out who my students are and cultivating competence in each one of them by recognizing strengths and creating opportunities for positive experiences. I take the time to build trust through observation, engagement and compassion.
I bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and humor to the classroom to keep my students engaged, but also do my best to be patient and calm to create an environment that feels safe. While I develop carefully scaffolded, standards-based lessons, I make sure that each project provides room for student voice. I try to strike a balance between structure and freedom, believing students learn best by doing — making decisions and mistakes to discover where they lead. I equip my students with a foundation in art, but more importantly, a healthy curiosity and confidence to explore.
I serve students with a variety of skills and abilities, fully appreciating (and embracing) their different learning styles, histories, and thought processes. I have learned how to differentiate instruction with modifications and accommodations so that lessons are accessible and responsive to the needs of each individual. My goal is to bring a welcoming and positive energy to my classroom and an arsenal of teaching tools to help everyone feel accepted and at ease.
I teach art because it provides students the chance to express themselves, develop skills, take risks, see in new ways, open minds, make decisions, communicate ideas, build self esteem, discover joy, and think creatively. It is a privilege to do this work. I am grateful to guide young people in developing their imaginations, individuality, capabilities, and belief in themselves.