Teaching Approach
My students come away from my class knowing how to express their voice, develop critical thinking skills, and that their work has the power to make a tangible impact.
I create anti-racist and culturally responsive art and design education that promotes unity and understanding. I create project-based lessons that provoke thought and action. I do this by building a curriculum around my students. I scaffold lessons for diverse learners.
Students need to feel safe to develop a growth mindset and take intellectual risks. They need to see themselves celebrated in the past, present, and future. I find cultural exemplars that reflect my student body in both art history and contemporary works.
I use my 20+ years of design experience to grow an inclusive environment for learners to explore meaningful topics, develop technical skills, and practice using their voice through a variety of mediums: photography, video, ceramics, textile, illustration, art, and design. My lessons align with CTE digital design/applied art standards. As a practicing designer and artist, I draw on my communities to ensure that the classroom curriculum is relevant.
Art and design are mirrors and windows into our complex world. My classroom community goal is to build a learning environment where art and design are kaleidoscopes for my students’ lives— refracting their many identities and perspectives and reimagining their future! I hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning in each of my students.
graphic by Anti-Racist Art Teachers
Classroom Climate Rooted in Equity
Student Rights:
I have the right to participate and succeed in high-quality courses in all the arts disciplines as part of my basic education, regardless of my background, culture, language, or place of residence.
I have the same right to fully develop my creative potential at every grade level and not be excluded for any reason.
I have the right to engage in arts education that reflects, respects, and builds on my culture, language, and background.
I have the right to receive the resources I need to be successful in my art studies in media and visual arts, including the proper supplies and facilities, and qualified teachers and curriculum that honor all cultures and languages.
I have the right to be supported by leaders in my community and school who understand the benefits of an arts education to prepare me for college, career, and life.
I have the right to learn and practice the arts in a positive environment where everyone understands and acts on the knowledge that I am engaging in valuable and important work
www.createca.net (Declaration of Student Rights)