Much of who I have become as an educator has developed from who I am as an individual. I believe strongly in community involvement, as this commitment is essential in self and social growth. Throughout my undergraduate service efforts, I strived to contribute to a larger movement of change. This idea of change is one that I sincerely consider in life and in my career as an educator; I do my best to change the lives of my students in diverse capacities. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In my position as an arts educator, I feel that it is my duty to foster student learning with the intent of facilitating change through art; change in the way my students think, see, and act within or beyond the classroom.
Education in the arts provides necessary experience and knowledge, stimulates the development of critical problem solving skills, and provides a chance to think creatively. The use of big ideas throughout my curriculum not only exposes children to current and relatable topics, but also encourages students to understand these issues and call for change within their community. Society relies on the ability to create new and better solutions to combat rising challenges; therefore those individuals who are able to think creatively and critically about these diverse issues will become the leaders of our future.
Arts advocate Charles Fowler believes that, "With a subject matter as broad as life itself, the arts easily relate to aspects of almost everything else that is taught." I too feel that the subject matter in art is life itself, as the world around us is often better understood with a sense of artistic awareness. However this relationship between art and life is reciprocal; art is better understood if students relate what they are learning in the classroom to their personal lives, interests, issues that affect them, and other content areas. When the students begin to recognize this mutual relationship, they will begin to see that the arts do more than simply provide information, but rather provide meaning for understanding.
The arts are the glue that holds a community together. Art embodies the beliefs and values of a society, defines and celebrates all aspects of life, and is a visually universal language that communicates to all. I am confident that my students utilize art as a channel to communicate their values and beliefs, to perceive their world, and to stimulate a positive change. Life is truly an artwork in progress, and as an educator I am proud to support the creation of masterpieces.