Meg O’BrienAboutTeaching 
→ Art Portfolio

Teaching Philosophy    Through dialogue, the teacher-of-the-students and the students-of-the-teacher cease to exist a new term emerges: teacher-student with students-teachers. The teacher is no longer merely the-one-who-teaches, but one who himself is taught in dialogue with the students, who in turn while being taught also teach. They become jointly responsible for a process in which all grow.
   -Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1970)                                
         I believe all students bring valuable knowledge and experience into the classroom, and art education can be a way to make sense of the many issues impacting students’ lives. Learning occurs in multiple directions, as students and teachers grow together through the educational process. I want to cultivate a classroom culture that allows all students to feel included and empowered to take creative risks and grow as learners. I believe that education has transformative potential, and I will incorporate the theories of Freire and others, such as bell hooks, to strive for this. It is important to include all students in the classroom, drawing upon the teachings of culturally responsive pedagogy to engage all students and create a learning environment that sees all students' backgrounds and knowledge as strengths.

Art educators have a multitude of unique ways to approach topics from identity to community to current events impacting students’ lives, and I create a space for students to process and reflect upon these topics in the classroom. I also draw upon the social justice-focused work of scholars like Dipti Desai to engage with issues impacting students, using art as a means for expression and analysis. Art education also presents an opportunity for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration across subjects. As an art educator with a background in the sciences, I see a multitude of possibilities for arts integration to strengthen student learning and engagement.

The studio practices and concrete skills learned in art class are important, but students also must have the freedom to be creative and pursue their unique interests in the art room. The process of creating and learning is much more important than a polished final product. There is much to be learned through the act of exploring materials and having a space where students feel comfortable and empowered to take creative risks and try new things. The skills that students can learn through artistic exploration support their academic and emotional development overall. For these reasons, I emphasize student choice within the art classroom to build independence and confidence that will support their holistic growth. Art education offers endless possibilities and opportunities for engaging with students and supporting their growth and development, in the arts and far beyond.      

← Back