Alice Caldwell's Teaching Philosophy
I believe that art has the power to challenge systems and change lives, and as an art educator I have the privilege and great responsibility of working with students as they develop and harness that power. I play a supportive role in giving students confidence and agency, both in and outside the classroom. Through providing a space for observation, examining, questioning and through creating art, I offer opportunities for their development into empathetic, critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
My classroom is a space where every individual is welcome and celebrated for who they are and what they bring to the class. My students' knowledge in all its forms is honored and I support them as they grow that knowledge. Part of that growth is through the crucial lessons of failure, which I see as positive and necessary. My students are encouraged to experiment, to play, and sometimes fail as they grow their creativity and problem solving abilities.
In my classroom the concept of community, working together, and learning from one another is central. Students are offered chances to inspire and encourage each other, and take those skills into their greater communities. In our classroom community, I strive to enhance students’ opportunities to experience the satisfaction and joy of the creation of and engagement with Art. The joy of art and the act of play are a constant in my art educator practice, as is addressing the well-being and emotional health of my students.
As an educator, I am constantly growing alongside my students, defining and developing a comprehensive curriculum that is student-centered, addresses their identity, and strengthens their understanding of themselves and the world around them. My goal as an educator is to validate students’ voices, develop critical minds, and grow empathic, future problem-solvers.