Art teachers play an important role in a student's K-12 experience. They foster creativity, develop confidence, and encourage critical thinking. That is why I became an art educator. As a student, I excelled in both math and art. I enjoyed math because there was only one correct answer, one goal to be reached. It was not until I completed my first year of college, as a math major, that I realized how much I used art and creativity on a daily basis. I realized how important artistic skills are in today’s world.

 

The impact of art education extends far beyond the classroom. Art is not just about creating beautiful drawings, paintings, and sculptures; but about understanding and interpreting the world around us in a creative way. It allows us to link the content learned inside and outside of core education by seeing and approaching things from multiple perspectives. Art teaches us many contemporary, 21st century skills that are essential in preparing today’s students for the professional world. Not only do I intend to develop students as artists in the classroom, but also as creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, communicators and collaborators.

 

In addition to the beneficial skills that art helps to develop in each student, I feel art also helps to build confidence. Unlike math, art does not have one right answer, and no one is telling you that you need to find one. Art is about you; how you feel, what you think, what you see. I plan to use art as a way for students to express themselves and communicate in creative ways in an environment where there are no wrong answers. With the fear of being wrong out of the equation, I believe students will build confidence and develop their own voice in the art classroom.

 

I became an art educator because I want to encourage and develop creativity and 21st century thinking skills in my students as my teachers did for me. I want to develop a safe classroom environment where every student feels heard, valued, and successful.