As a Choice Art Educator, I believe in empowering student voice through meaningful and authentic art experiences. My teaching is highly scaffolded with a gradual release of independence. I believe in supporting all students from ideation to resolution through the development of technical, conceptual, and critical thinking skills. In my classes, the creative process (plan, create, critique and refine, reflect) drives the journey towards high quality, personal artworks. 

I am deeply passionate about equitable teaching in the art room. This includes:

• integrating relevant, contemporary artists that represent the global majority into lessons and research practices;
• providing accessible learning to all students through differentiated instruction;
• supporting self-expression through individualized creative processes;
• creating meaningful connections between the power of visual communication and real-life experiences;
• engaging in routine professional development, exposing students to innovative media, progressive technology, and research-based instructional practices;
• implementing the feedback loop to support learning over time through growth portfolio development and assessment. 
  
  

Choice is a powerful tool in education, today.  The art room provides a safe and collaborative space where all students are welcome to take risks and make mistakes, experiment and practice, create and share openly. When appropriately supported and engaged within the classroom environment, students are intrinsically motivated to achieve their personally-identified goals. Collaborations beyond the classroom provide long-lasting impact on student learning and their place in their community. My philosophy is that everyone is creative; we just don't always have the right tools in our toolbox. My job is to facilitate skill development and empower students to make critical decisions in order to effectively communicate their vision.