Teaching Philosophy

For over 16 years, I have had the pleasure to teach at Triton College in the Visual Communications department. In these 16 + years, my classroom, and student body has changed and evolved. In response, my teaching philosophy has also evolved. Originally, the focus was solely on educating young creatives to become the best artists they can be. The paragraph below contains my original teaching philosophy written in 2016.

“The mind once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson. This quote embodies my view of education. Being an educator in the arts is multi-dimensional. My approach to teaching photography requires my students to create using both sides of their brain. As a technical medium, photography requires understanding ratios and using spatial reasoning. As an artistic medium, photography requires abstract reasoning and non-linear thinking. When the lines of both approaches meet, true artistic expression is realized. Every artist has a voice, and visual art is communication. It is the responsibility of the visual art educator to teach the student how to speak the language but not to tell them what to say. I like to believe I light the artistic pathway for my students during their time with me. By lighting the way, I can help them navigate the sometimes scary, sometimes hidden path that leads them to their creativity.

Six years have passed since I wrote that philosophy, and while I still strongly believe in that approach to teaching the creative arts, the students coming to my classroom in 2021 are needing more. I can only speak from my experience but what I see in the VIC department at Triton College, is the role of the educator has expanded beyond just teaching the curriculum. In my classroom I wear many hats. I am a counselor, an advocate, a cheerleader and a coach. Wearing also the hat of an administrator, being the Chair of VIC, I am witness to the students experience at the college as a whole. My working life before teaching was in hospitality, where customer service is the top priority. I have brought that spirit of strong customer service to the classroom and department. Helping students navigate their education has opened my eyes to how overwhelming the experience can be.

The VIC student body is made up of a diverse group of individuals. Students range from recent high school graduates, to adults looking to gain more skills, to retired people looking to keep their minds sharp, and explore the visual arts. The demographics are also diverse. Some students have more resources than others. Some students are English as a second language learners, and some students are not familiar with technology. While others may see these things as challenges, I see them as opportunities. Having a classroom that is rich with different perspectives, allows the students, and myself to learn from one another on a deeper level.

All of these factors, and additional years of experience have transformed my teaching philosophy. Like artist statements, teaching philosophies are organic and fluid. In five years from now the evolution of the classroom, the student, and my experience, may very well evolve the philosophy again. The paragraph below is my current teaching philosophy circa 2021.

"If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." - Mother Teresa. This powerful yet simple statement resonates deeply with me. This concept can apply to friendship, community, and relationship with self. This philosophy when translated to the classroom can be "If you want to change the world, go to class, and support your students." My classroom is a space where all are welcomed. A place for students to explore their creativity and critical thinking. A place to be vulnerable, and to take chances as they develop their voice. A space to discover how they fit in to the changing world around them. I am their advocate, fighting for opportunities. A coach, pushing them to do their best. A cheerleader, celebrating their victories, and a counselor, showing empathy when the unexpected bumps in life arise.

I believe that education is a marathon, not a sprint. It goes beyond the curriculum and impacts all areas of life. I mentor students to be curious, and to always believe in themselves. Teaching them to never give up, even if setbacks arise, and to take pride in working hard for what they want. To foster in students, the desire to succeed, whatever their definition of success may be. I believe success has a ripple effect. The success of one will change the lives of many, and the success of many can change the world. So if you want to change the world go to class and support your students.