Lori Watson

Teaching Philosophy

Art teachers possess a wide variety of skills and must wear many different hats in their
daily jobs. As I have assessed my own abilities and interests Ive learned that this
career path is really a culmination of everything Ive been working towards my entire life.
Frankly, its a relief to discover that my diverse interests and professional work in art,
design and higher education administration have come together in a career path that will
present me with the kinds of challenges and learning opportunities I am eager to
undertake.
One of the most important roles of a teacher, in my opinion, is getting the students
interested in the subject matter. According to Theodore Sizer of Essential Schools,
lessons presented should relate to the curiosities and interests of the students. Making
connections between art assignments and subjects such as literature, social science,
history, science, architecture, and so on, will reach more students and help them to
recognize relationships between genres and inspire them to learn more. I see the art
classroom as a means to support and connect a schools well-balanced curriculum.
According to Jean Piaget and Jerome Bruner, educators are also required to understand
the developmental stages of a child and what they are capable of comprehending at
different ages of maturity. In addition, Cognitive therapists ask us to consider a wide
variety of learning styles, ways of thinking and intelligence. Also, taking cues from
Howard Gardner, it will be necessary to remember that not all students learn verbally or
linguistically as has been traditionally emphasized and may respond better to visual,
kinesthetic, rhythmic or logical/mathematical factors instead. A high school teacher
recently told me that this concept is particularly important for ESL children she has in her
class who may have art as their only means of communicating or understanding. Art
provides them with a voice to make a difference in this world they didnt even know they
had. This format can also provide them an internal dialogue to think about what they
are passionate about or what is truly important in their lives. I am inspired by the
challenge of developing lesson plans that not only have a strong foundation but that
excite the audience, gives value and validation to students from varied backgrounds and
cultures, that adds to their artistic vocabulary and helps them develop symbols and
language for their own artistic voice.
As students research concepts for their work and discover problems in conveying their
messages, they are faced with making judgments and solutions about the best way to do
it. This is a skill they may not be introduced to in any other subject at school. They may
learn through these experiences that there is more than one way to express their
message and as well, may stumble upon better or new ways to convey their idea. I
believe one of my strengths in teaching, is helping students with developing their
problem solving sills, feeling confident in their own decisions and being open to happy
accidents.

Lori Watson

Teachers can be compared to a fine wine that gets better over time. As they gain
wisdom in the classroom they are also faced with opportunities for learning in their
personal lives that could contribute to them being a more successful teacher. Dr.
William Purkey, one of the masterminds behind Invitational Education, believes that
teachers are obligated to work towards becoming self-actualizing, mentally healthy, wellrounded individuals willing and eager to share the success of their own lives with their
pupils. Believing in this philosophy, I will continue to practice my own art making, and
seek out new mediums, methods and uses of technology. I will also stay current in the
field of art and design by researching past and present creative people as well as career
and employment opportunities in the creative job market. As I continue to gain new
knowledge and evolve as an educator, I will rework my lesson plans and tweak my
teaching style accordingly. Additionally, I will involve the community in art programs so
they will further recognize the importance of art in our society. I believe that regular art
shows, showcases or a gallery inside the school is important to give the art a sense of
validation. Like Olivia Gude, arts facilitator, I plan to take my students out into the
community to create public artworks that promote community and spark dialogue about
a number of topics.
I am excited to have the opportunity to introduce young people to the world of art and
design, facilitate the development of their visual talents to the fullest potential and help
them to understand how art and design fits within the context of their own lives. In turn, I
look forward to the symbiotic relationship between students and teacher; how I will
inevitably learn from their growth and how those experiences will influence my own
artwork and teaching philosophy.

Lori Watson

Works Cited
The Arts Curriculum in the School Arts Center 1 November 2004
http://www.toknowart.com/apsarts/eisner.html
At the Five-Year Mark: The Challenge of Being Essential Essential Schools
Organization 31 October 2004
http://www.essentialschools.org/cs/cespr/view/ces_res/76
Dr. Elliot W. Eisner. Ball State University 1 November 2004
http://www.bsu.edu/classes/bauer/hpmused/eisner/eisner.html
Dykema, Ravi. How Schools Fail Kids and How They Could Be Better Colorados
Holistic Journal May/June 2002
http://www.nexuspub.com/articles/2002/may2002/interview1.html<
Echoes of the Heart. Chicago Public Art Group. 1 November 2004
http://www.artsusa.org/animatingdemocracy/resource_center/profiles_c
ontent.asp?id=183.html
Eisner, Elliot W. The Arts and the Mission of Education
Los Angeles, 1988. The Role of Discipline-Based Art Education in
America's Schools. http://www.unlv.edu/Faculty/mannlein/TheRoleOfDBAE.html
Jerome Bruner. Instructional Technology Global Resource Network 1
November 2004 http://ittheory.com/bruner.html
Jerome Seymour Bruner. Allen Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution 1
November 2004 http://evolution.massey.ac.nz/assign2/AH/bruner.html
Heubner, Jeff Parked Cincinnati City Beat 13 August 2003
http://www.citybeat.com/2003-08-13/printable/art.html
Ornstein, C. Allen and Hunkins, Francis P. Curriculum Foundations, Principles, and
Issues. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 2004
Sizer, Ted.
Speech at the 1997 Fall Forum. Essential Schools Organization 31
October 2004 http://www.essentialschools.org/lpt/ces_docs/73<
Spring Art Education Forum. Center for Art and Public Life. 1
November 2004 http://www.cca.edu/center/events/ppe_past_ppae001.html
Sweet, Kimberly Brightening Chicagos streets and schools, the murals and mosaics of
Olivia Gude and friends address social divisions and unite communities
Local Color The University of Chicago Magazine June 1996
http://www.magazine.uchicago.edu/9606/9606Murals.html

Theodore R. Sizer. Essential Schools Organization 31 October 2004

http://www.essentialschools.org/pub/ces_docs/about/org/execboard/ted_page.html