“Why didn’t I turn out like them?” This question crossed my mind when I began working at a middle school, specifically, the same one I attended as a child. I often wondered why some students got into trouble while I did not. As a bilingual individual, I found myself acting as a bridge between teachers and parents, translating their concerns. This experience ignited my desire to do more than just translate; I wanted to help. This led me to choose a career as an art teacher. Through art, students can express their thoughts, fears, and dreams without uttering a word, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of them.

As a teacher, I will treat students as autonomous individuals, respecting their unique identities and perspectives. I aim to inspire a love for learning by incorporating various teaching methods, including hands-on activities, technology, teamwork, and individual projects. I will encourage feedback both collectively and individually, fostering an environment that promotes individuality and growth. My goal is to help students integrate their knowledge from all subjects into their artistic creations, enhancing the learning experience for both them and myself.

Engaging students in conversations about social and cultural diversity, social justice, equity, and ethics within the classroom and through lesson plans is also essential. These concepts are integral to our lives, shaping our relationships and identities. By presenting artwork from diverse artists, we can explore social and cultural diversity, understanding their thoughts and cultures through their artist statements. I will connect these lessons to students’ lives and real-world issues, helping them grasp the importance of social justice.

Collaboration is key in my classroom, where we work together to express opinions on various matters, fostering respect for each other's views. Critiques are essential in art, allowing us to understand the artist’s purpose and learn acceptance and awareness. Should conflicts arise, I will facilitate meetings to resolve issues, emphasizing equity and ethics. Students face numerous challenges, such as violence, race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. While I cannot solve these problems alone, I am committed to trying. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort from teachers, students, the school, and the community. I will seek guidance from colleagues—psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, teachers, principals, and district leaders—and engage with the community. Together, we will demonstrate a collective effort to support students, helping them recognize their environment and strive for a better future.

My goal is to be a teacher who creates a comfortable learning environment and connects with students individually, fostering mutual understanding. This approach will allow students to see me as a fellow learner, eager to grow alongside them. As educator Rita Pierson said, “Teaching and learning should bring joy. How powerful would our world be if we had kids who were not afraid to take risks, who were not afraid to think…” (Pierson, 2013).

Reference

Pierson, R. (2013, May). Rita Pierson: Every kid needs a champion [video file]. Retrieved

from https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion