My most important teaching objective is to build the students’ self-esteem and to create a culturally aware community in the classroom. I accomplish this by encouraging self-reflection through hands-on activities. I use independent individual and small-group exploration to empower the students and help them to find and share their hidden talents and their own voices.
When children identify their strengths and create a classroom community, they thrive and appreciate and respect each other. I view teaching art as a means to nurture visual sensitivity, informed seeing and critical thinking skills.
I believe that the most inspiring creative environments are those where the children are engaged, having fun, and are appreciated for who they are. I want my students to leave my classes confident, self-assured, happy, and with a sense of accomplishment.