Teaching Philosophy
7-12
For students at the secondary level, it is crucial to allow space for individuality and growth. Students at this age go through changes and start to see the world through a new lens. As a teacher, I support students as they explore their world and how it connects to the world around them. At this age, the art classroom can take many different roles. My classroom is a space where students feel safe, supported, and pushed to do their best. It is crucial to support students through differentiated instruction by offering various means of representation, engagement, and assessment.
Further, as someone who has worked in technology and the digital design field, I can bring advanced projects and mediums from a collegiate level, modify them, and bring them into a middle or high school classroom. I enjoy introducing emerging technology to students and giving them a unique opportunity to work with technology such as vinyl cutters, CO2 lasers, and 3D printing.
Sink or Swim
Using found and recycled materials, students create boats. Students research the history of boats and explore the properties of different materials. Students sketch ideas, then spend a few weeks bringing their boat to life. At the end, students see if their boat floats or not, and have the choice to see how much weight it can hold. This lesson is important because it uses a project-based learning model to teach students a variety of skills, offers an open-ended prompt, and connects to other learning contexts such as history and science.
Monster Printmaking
Using rubber blocks, carving tools, and ink, students create their own monsters. Students start by making thumbnail sketches to develop their idea. Following the theme of storytelling, students create a character and learn how to tell their story through different characteristics. This lesson is important because it offers an open-ended platform for creativity. Students scaffold from prior printmaking knowledge and learn about tool safety, process, and storytelling.
Clay Mugs
Using clay, students design, create, and glaze slab mugs. Students create thumbnail sketches, paper models, and then work with clay. Students learn the basics of clay, including slab construction, slipping and scoring, and glazing. This lesson is important because it teaches students foundational clay skills and safety, which they can use for later, more complex projects.
Playing Cards
Using Adobe Illustrator, students design and create a set of four playing cards. Students come in with basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and graphic design from prior lessons, but explore both in more depth within this lesson. This is important because it scaffolds off of prior knowledge, teaches students how to navigate digital design applications, and explores product design.
Vinyl Silkscreen
Using Procreate, a Cricut vinyl cutter, and silkscreen frames, students design a stencil, assemble a screen, prepare materials, to create a series of silkscreen prints. Students learn about the process and technique of silkscreen printing. Students also explore printing on T-shirts, tote bags, and other alternative surfaces. This lesson is important because it introduces the complex process of silkscreen, broken down into steps to explore design, process, and manufacturing.
