My hope as a teacher is to help students to discover who they are and who they can be through the use of art and experiences within the classroom. As many people have expressed in the past art can be used as a tool for self-expression, but it can also be used for self-discovery. Through the art process, students become more aware of their choices, beliefs, and interests. I believe that students should all have a deeper understanding of art and the practice of art making then simply seeing art on the wall as a decoration. Every aspect of art lends itself to expression and interpretation by both the artist and the viewer. As a teacher, I strive to assist students along the path of finding that meaning in art.
I believe that a teacher’s number one job is to be an example for students to look to for assistance. That does not mean that as a teacher I am above any of the students. I believe that teachers should help students to discover who they are and who they want to be, whether it is by direct example or by allowing them to experience different learning situations. Most important to this concept is that students feel relaxed when they are in the art classroom. When there is too much pressure or stress in the classroom, students lose the ability to open their minds to the many different components of art.
The classroom is and never should be a dictatorship. Students should always have some input into the lessons that they are presented and how they are taught the information. While a curriculum should be laid out ahead of time for the class, it is necessary to be lenient with the scheduling, the pace, and the way in which projects are presented and completed. Students should also not be tied to any restraints within the art room. I believe in projects that are open ended and allow for students to decide for themselves the best way to approach projects. This allows for much more freedom in expressing themselves and exposes students to a broader range of work. After all, art is foremost about the expression and the discovery of self through the process.
I believe that a teacher’s number one job is to be an example for students to look to for assistance. That does not mean that as a teacher I am above any of the students. I believe that teachers should help students to discover who they are and who they want to be, whether it is by direct example or by allowing them to experience different learning situations. Most important to this concept is that students feel relaxed when they are in the art classroom. When there is too much pressure or stress in the classroom, students lose the ability to open their minds to the many different components of art.
The classroom is and never should be a dictatorship. Students should always have some input into the lessons that they are presented and how they are taught the information. While a curriculum should be laid out ahead of time for the class, it is necessary to be lenient with the scheduling, the pace, and the way in which projects are presented and completed. Students should also not be tied to any restraints within the art room. I believe in projects that are open ended and allow for students to decide for themselves the best way to approach projects. This allows for much more freedom in expressing themselves and exposes students to a broader range of work. After all, art is foremost about the expression and the discovery of self through the process.
Thomas E. Stone
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelors of Fine & Applied Arts, May 2013
Concentration in Art Education
Endorsement in Math Education
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelors of Fine & Applied Arts, May 2013
Concentration in Art Education
Endorsement in Math Education