ALISON ENGEL

I first and foremost believe that all children should be viewed as unique individuals with unique learning styles. Whether it may be visual, oral, interactive, or a combination. By tailoring my lessons to provide all students with individualized attention it will lead to better behavior, higher academic achievement, and encourage an environment of acceptance between teachers and classroom peers. Through this belief I can provide my students a renewed sense of excitement through art and visual tools that can improve their ability to focus and engage in school. A wonderful benefit to art education is it’s flexibility that can be easily tailored to fit our students interests and ideas. With art I can teach them to think creatively and find solutions to problems. 

    

For the students who face unfair judgments school can be the scariest place.  I firmly believe the first step we can take as teachers is to communicate with our students. We need to be there to protect them, stop labeling them, but more than anything we need to listen to them.  In To Teach: The Journey in Comics, Bill Ayers spoke about the importance of cherishing our students and being willing to jump in and learn with them. He repeatedly states, “I see unruly sparks of meaning-making energy on a voyage of discovery through life. That’s the only label big enough for you and embracing enough for this room.” Ayers also encourages teachers to become a student of their students and learn together.  

    

To meet their needs it is vital we provide an environment that is safe, nurturing, and stimulating. In my classroom I will provide a space that students can come in and feel like it belongs to them. This will be a space of community which promotes group activities, sharing ideas, and creative problem-solving. Each student will have the opportunity to be heard and appreciated. I believe children have greater respect for their teachers, their peers, and the lessons presented when they feel safe and sure of what is expected of them. By setting fair and consistent rules and stating the importance of every activity, students are shown respect for their presence and time. In turn they learn to respect themselves, others, and their environment. This kind of environment could drastically change their lives, giving them deep love and value for themselves and for each other. 

  

As for myself in this environment, I will be a facilitator. I will allow their natural curiosities to direct their learning so they can find personal interest. I will be their access to information, encouraging them to support their own knowledge and education. If they search for-and value their own education they will remember it and develop their character based on the work they have done. I will provide students access to hands-on activities and allow adequate time and space to use the materials that reinforce the new knowledge they are processing. This creates an opportunity for individual discovery and construction of knowledge to occur. Self-discovery is vital.

    

I will support their self-discovery by providing a curriculum based around their relevant life and interests. By developing lessons around their interests I can foster motivation and stimulate their passion to learn. One way to take learning in a direction relevant to student interest is to invite student dialogue about the lessons and units of study. Given the opportunity for input, students generate ideas and set goals that make for much richer activities than I could have created or imagined myself. When students have ownership in the curriculum, they are motivated to work hard and master the skills necessary to reach their goals. 

  

By allowing students personal interests into the art classroom I have the opportunity to develop their awareness of the world around them. There are several rationales for art education and how they can improve our students’ lives. The first is a cultural exploration. In my curriculum I will expose them to many diverse artists from all around the world. Art is an international language! Students will discover how art is used in different cultures and can communicate cultural values without a language barrier. 

    

Secondly, as our students grow in a visually saturated world we need to help them make sense of it all and respond effectively and intelligently. Art education can serve to develop these skills by broadening their understanding and enhancing acceptance of all people. 

    

Art has the power to encourage students to express themselves and their unique thoughts about the world around them. Art making is pleasurable and viewing it can bring pleasure as well. It promotes creative thinking, creative problem solving, and an ability to see things from multiple perspectives. After completing an art project think of the pride that will swell from within when a student sees their work hanging and others enjoying their art. This will bring a feeling of accomplishment, acceptance, and joy. 

    

Furthermore, art also promotes learning outside the classroom. The arts are great partners and participants in academic learning. Through art I am able to integrate social studies, science, math, related arts, reading, and writing. All of these subjects will add richness, insight, and hands-on excitement to learning in many academic fields. In this subject rich curriculum art is a means of learning about oneself and the world that surrounds them. 
 

Lastly, for myself, teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, and a passion for art as I share my own passion for art and learning with them. I feel there is a need for compassionate, strong, and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children, as I am. In our competitive society it is important for students to not only receive a solid education, but to work with someone who is aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I will continue striving for this kind of learning environment every day that I teach.