I believe that art education is an essential part to our students development because it builds on life skills. A huge part of building on these skills is having students think more deeply about the world around them and how art can becomes an integral role in how we see ourselves and our surroundings. Through experimentation and play, students can understand and process how they are feeling. In doing so, we give our students room to grow. When a student can think critically and evolve emotionally through their creative process, art education becomes a place that nurtures and uplifts them. I believe that art education has the ability to build community, and by learning the skills of visual communication, can help students gain confidence as they express their ideas within that community.

Teaching Philosophy

   I believe in fostering respectful and safe environments. A huge part of my practice is making sure my students feel valued in my classroom. This means always meeting them with where they are at in the moment. I also try and challenge my students so that they build on new techniques and methods. This means building lesson plans that touch on different principles of art, building studio practices and habits, art history and contemporary connections, and refining and tuning their approach to new mediums. All of this is to say, my hope for all of my students is that they leave my classroom with a vast and overflowing imagination and the confidence as well as tools to express their ideas.

Diversity Statement


My commitment to social justice will always be at the forefront of my teaching practice.  This means that my lesson plans and strategies will always be open to new and contemporary artists from around the world. My goal is to have my students develop and build on their own identity in the world by creating personal connections to the work that they make. In doing so, my hope is that all students and all cultures are celebrated and heard. This also means that I may not always have an answer, and because of this, I believe it is also part of my teaching practice to respect and appreciate differences and allow room for students to share their stories and experiences. Some of these differences may include race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or mental and physical abilities. I am driven to believe that in building trust, keeping an open dialogue between myself and my students, and listening when it is essential to listen, it is my belief and my hope that as an educator I can give my students the safety and respect they so rightfully are owed.  Because of this,  I feel it is essential to get to know each student individually, and by empowering them to think critically, collectively, and creatively so that they feel they have ownership of their education.