Today Is Present
Today Is Present
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approach

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Teaching Approach

My students come away from my class knowing how to express their voice, develop critical thinking skills, and that their work has the power to make a tangible impact.

I create anti-racist and culturally responsive art and design education that promotes unity and understanding. I create project-based lessons that provoke thought and action. I do this by building a curriculum around my students. I scaffold lessons for diverse learners.

Students need to feel safe to develop a growth mindset and take intellectual risks. They need to see themselves celebrated in the past, present, and future. I find cultural exemplars that reflect my student body in both art history and contemporary works.

I use my 20+ years of design experience to grow an inclusive environment for learners to explore meaningful topics, develop technical skills, and practice using their voice through a variety of mediums: photography, video, ceramics, textile, illustration, art, and design. My lessons align with CTE digital design/applied art standards. As a practicing designer and artist, I draw on my communities to ensure that the classroom curriculum is relevant.

Art and design are mirrors and windows into our complex world. My classroom community goal is to build a learning environment where art and design are kaleidoscopes for my students’ lives— refracting their many identities and perspectives and reimagining their future! I hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning in each of my students.

graphic by Anti-Racist Art Teachers

Classroom Climate Rooted in Equity

Student Rights:

  1. I have the right to participate and succeed in high-quality courses in all the arts disciplines as part of my basic education, regardless of my background, culture, language, or place of residence.

  2. I have the same right to fully develop my creative potential at every grade level and not be excluded for any reason.

  3. I have the right to engage in arts education that reflects, respects, and builds on my culture, language, and background.

  4. I have the right to receive the resources I need to be successful in my art studies in media and visual arts, including the proper supplies and facilities, and qualified teachers and curriculum that honor all cultures and languages.

  5. I have the right to be supported by leaders in my community and school who understand the benefits of an arts education to prepare me for college, career, and life.

  6. I have the right to learn and practice the arts in a positive environment where everyone understands and acts on the knowledge that I am engaging in valuable and important work

www.createca.net (Declaration of Student Rights)