My objective as an art educator is to meet students where they are and take them to a deeper, layered, and more complex level of understanding- of the world, themselves, and their place within. Problem solving is inherent within the artistic classroom, which prepares students for the subtleties, complexities, and surprises of life. My job as an educator is to give students the skills to articulate and express visually their passions and interests in the most effective manner possible. Mistakes are made along the way, and through constructive criticism, all participants learn to rework ideas and processes, and to continue to strive to rise to the top. Expectations are mutual- I work hard and therefore expect students to work hard, and we adapt to the dynamic of the class so every student has the opportunity to create and engage. We learn from each other, bringing our talents together to increase understanding of core photographic principles and visual expression, expand critical thinking skills, become willing to take risks and ask questions, learn the value of hard work and responsibility, and to transfer the culmination of these skills into all areas of life.

I am an art educator because I truly believe that art is here to give life a shape. Without it, we are less critical, less engaged, and less fulfilled. There is nothing better than to give the same assignment to twenty different people and receive twenty different, thoughtful, and creative responses. The skills attained in art courses prepare students to rise to every occasion, to think outside of the box, to push themselves to think about humanity and their place within it. Society would not be as rich without innovative thinkers and doers, and art equips people to create that kind of environment. I am not sure where I would be without art, so I made the decision to teach it to others so they know that there is a place for them, too.