Teaching Philosophy

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” —Albert Einstein.

 

For me, being an art teacher means creating an environment where students feel welcomed, comfortable, and free to explore. I want to be part of the magic that happens when children and art supplies combine.

 

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student has unique creative abilities and something meaningful to share with the world. One of my biggest goals is to teach students how to appreciate and interact with art, both in the classroom and out in the world. To achieve this, I teach my students the art of trying new things, leaving judgment at the door, and resisting the urge to compare their work to others’. Many students do not think they are “good” at art, and often grow into adults who are afraid to create at all. I intend to foster an approach that breaks that cycle by unlocking creative potential students didn’t know they had. On the door to my classroom will be a sign that reads, “In this room, you are an artist.” My art room will be a place where children feel safe and empowered. By supporting students through their learning of creative processes, I help them achieve satisfying results in the art room and give them tools to succeed outside of it.

 

The arts are a powerful tool for learning. As a specialist in Arts Integration through the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program, I believe that weaving visual arts into core curriculum areas—from math and science to language arts and social studies—helps students develop deeper understanding, critical thinking skills, and a love of learning. Through my collaboration with classroom teachers to plan effective lessons that incorporate visual arts into their curriculum, I find that students deepen their appreciation for both. I am also an advocate for allowing students opportunities to participate in “art for art’s sake.” Art has inherent value beyond its connection to academic subjects. Making art is fun, cathartic, and meaningful in its own right. When children learn foundational art skills, they gain the ability to engage with their world, express their feelings and ideas, and interpret their experiences through creativity. In time, I want my students to make their own choices in their art rather than always following my lead. When students have a firm grasp of the rules of art, they can break them effectively.

 

I understand that classrooms are full of students with diverse abilities, motivations, and learning styles. In my experience, sitting with a child and cheering them on through a project they believed they couldn’t do boosts their confidence and builds future independence. I strive to meet each child where they are while also challenging them to grow. Ultimately, I believe that self-expression, skill development, and accomplishment through the arts build students’ belief in themselves and their abilities, preparing them for a lifetime of learning.

 

-Lauren Davenport