Teaching art is a privilege that I have so much gratitude for. The reward is seeing a fourteen-year-old hold a paint brush for the first time and share in the light on their face. This generation of children, those who have never painted but have only seen people paint online, is why I want to be an art teacher. To expose children to an experience that they may never have had themselves is the greatest gift as a preservice art educator.
My main goal as an educator is not only to introduce children to art, but to teach art in a relatable way including equity in the classroom, culturally appropriate artists, and studio artmaking. Teaching students that we are all equal and will explore ways to treat others as such is number one in my classroom. My plan is to incorporate a very diverse set of artists that the students can learn from.
Artists that students can relate to are vital. Community artists are important to present as well, as students can witness how local artists are making a difference around them. It inspires them to create their best work and realize that anyone can become an artist. In the classroom, a hands-on approach is a main objective. My hope is to inspire a curiosity in working with all kinds of mediums, both traditional and nontraditional. Of course, using materials that students are unfamiliar with is a great way to expand horizons. My goal is to fully immerse the students and show them that art is all around.
I know that all students can learn the importance of art education because it gives children an opportunity to not only explore their creative selves, but to express their creative selves. By showing students relatable artists and promoting medium exploration, I believe that art can expand young minds and shape students to become well-rounded in many different subjects, not limited to art.
Dannie Mercuro 