Teaching is a field of inquiry and is constantly evolving with changes in the student body, technology and society in general. I believe a teacher at any level must possess the foresight to recognize changes and the ability to adapt to them. Teaching art is unique in that the art world is also changing. For example, expectations about the role or function of art have changed considerably with the onslaught of new technologies.

            I believe that an effective teacher must have a great understanding of the subject matter being taught as well as underlying knowledge and experience in the field. A teacher's responsibility is to stay current in a field by engaging in research that can improve her knowledge. In the field of visual art, for instance, producing art independently fuels ideas and creativity in the classroom. Remarkably, teaching returns the favor by providing creative renewal to individual research. A teacher must also make good selections about what to teach and how to structure the material. My philosophy as it specifically relates to the teaching of visual arts is based on a strong foundation of drawing and design as well as knowledge of contemporary and historical art.

            Teaching is a process of helping students make connections between their experiences and the subject matter. I believe that in order to be successful, teachers must know their students. We must be aware of what knowledge students carry with them into the classroom and how to build on that knowledge. Knowing that every student and every class will be different prepares the teacher to adjust their material and approach.      

            In general, the role of a teacher is to be a facilitator; teachers should enable students to become responsible for their own learning. Part of the role is to inspire learning and provide the tools and structure needed for independent learning. A variety of teaching styles, mixing lecture, class discussion and group activities, will provide more opportunities to engage the most students. Technology should be used to help organize material and to accomplish more. It can be a great tool for improving learning and teaching but should not be used as an end unto itself. In the field of art and art history, for example, the World Wide Web is an extensive tool used to locate images and information about artists and museums.

            A teacher is responsible for building relationships with students. Respecting their time and needs will help them grow. Teachers must be committed to student success and set high standards with constructive criticism. It is important for teachers to be approachable and accessible to students who have questions or concerns. Respecting the diversity and the special needs of a class are always considerations.

            In conclusion, teachers need to take their work and their field seriously. The ability to see the value in what you are teaching will benefit the students. In the arts, there are often debates about the measurable benefits of education. It must be communicated that the visual arts are an important element to a strong liberal arts education. All the arts can give substance to the lives of the students and foster critical thinking, develop problem-solving strategies, and facilitate life-long learning skills.