Standard D

Critical thinking and problem solving are integral in the art classroom. Students are given basic directions on how to complete a project and the rest is up to them to decide. This freedom allows students to come up with their own ideas and work through problems that may arise. Since their artwork is unique to them, the problems they encounter must be solved by them. Art in the upper grades provides opportunities to problem solve with new materials and deal with feedback. In order to be an artist one must be able to take advice and criticism and use it to solve the problems they are having with their work. I think the best way to support critical thinking in the classroom is to provide assignments that challenge the students to think on their own. These projects have no right answer and they allow students to move beyond black and white thinking. I also think it is important to ask students questions to get them thinking about the choices they make with the art they create. As an art teacher it is important to push students to improve their work in terms of quality and the ideas that they have.

Standard H

I see professional development as playing a large role in my future career as an educator. I want to always be learning new techniques and information that will be valuable instructing my students better. An important part of this will be keeping up with the new technology that is available both inside and outside the classroom. As this new technology becomes available it is important to know how to use it and how it can improve one’s ability to reach students. In addition to technology, the art world is also constantly changing and as an instructor it is important to keep up on what is happening. As for my own education, in the future I hope to pursue a master’s degree in art education and possibly even a PHD. I believe that it is important for a teacher to remain enthused about their subject and professional development is the key to achieving this goal.

Standards Fand I

I believe the role of art teacher and art education advocate are one in the same. Art teachers need to constantly be promoting their courses and their programs to students, faculty and the community. Often times when there is a need for cuts in the budget, fine arts programs are the first on the chopping block. It is important that you have built up a group of people who believe that the arts are important and can support your cause. Advocacy can be used as a tool during these times and when there are no concerns about cuts. Artwork done by students and the teacher can communicate the importance of the arts when hung in schools and out in public. When people see what is going on in schools and all of the projects that are being done they are more likely to understand the importance of art in schools. I think that the art teacher serves as a representative to the arts for students and parents. Most people do not know artist and understand all of the possibilities that art degrees provide. The teacher is a liaison between the general community and the arts community. They can get people involved in art projects easier than anyone else by promoting events at school. So far I have been involved in the creation of a piece of art that will be hung in the elementary school I’m student teaching at to promote the schools anti bullying initiative. This serves a purpose of communicating a message to the parents and students, while demonstrating the presence of the art program. I also believe that school district art shows are good community projects which make parents to get out and look at the art work of their students and their peers.