E-portfolio-standard F & I

The art teacher is a constant source of art advocacy in many ways, whether it is through the lessons they teach or the opportunities they offer to their students to explore their artistic selves. I want to be an art teacher that encourages students to think independently and explore their ideas to the fullest extent. Giving students a well rounded lesson means discussing the history, theory and technique of various art forms and artists. This in itself is advocacy because it gives the students the back-story of the famous works of art I discuss. Hopefully this piques an interest in certain students who want to learn more about the art movement I'm discussing.

I also have to give my students a reason to do these lessons. Students can become bored if they do not see a purpose for the work they are asked to create. Keeping my lessons relevant and encouraging students to participate completely in their projects lets students feel connected to their work and more committed to the work they produce. This is turn lets the student feel pride in their accomplishment and perhaps inspire further exploration. Allowing students to display their art in the classroom alone helps show students in other classes what else their school has to offer for other styles of art. Also, if there is an opportunity to display in other parts of the school this can help show the entire student body what remarkable art works other students are creating in their school.

Teachers must consider how much attention is paid to art within the community of the school, whether it is parents who appreciate the arts or community programs within the area that advocate art. Parents are undoubtedly concerned with their student's performance in math, reading, science, etc. but they should also take time to see the creativity their child might possess in their art work. Discussing the student's work with parents who aren't knowledgeable in the arts are often amazed at the work their child can produce. This is also a way to advocate art to people outside of the school.

Working with the PTA talent show at my school was a surprising success for my drawing one class. They had the opportunity to draw whatever they wanted as long as it was related to the guidelines provided by the PTA. I encouraged the students to illustrate their drawings with things that they feel passionate about in the arts, whether it was music, theater, visual arts, etc. Students were given the chance to include personal expression as they created intriguing visuals that could potentially be chosen by the PTA as the pamphlet design for the talent show.