Alyssa Pezzuti

Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of education is based on five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) All children are unique and have the capability to grow, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. (2) Students should be able to have a voice, letting their curiosity direct their own learning. (3) Students need to have the opportunity and a safe environment where they feel comfortable to practice skills and make mistakes. (4) The teachers role is to act as a guide and set an example for student expectations. (5) A classroom is a community and in order to build that community students must have access to hands on and integrated learning.  
Becoming an art teacher has been something I've dreamt about since I was a young child. Teaching art specifically is what I feel like I was born to do. As I entered high school my art classes became my saving grace, and the only subject I felt connected to. The visual arts have always been a creative outlet for me and that is what I want for my students. I find it of the utmost importance for me and my students to build strong connections with one another so that art can be a mode of expression for them. 
It becomes my responsibility to live out these ideals as a teacher and be able to adapt, update, and re-evaluate my teaching throughout the span of my career as an educator. Adapting and re-evaluating has become a main part of my process because I actively seek advice from my collaborating teachers, peers, and students to help me grow as an educator, and regularly reflect on my teaching by keeping a journal/sketchbook. 
I believe that education can be individualized and catered to them in a personal way because every student deserves the right to an equitable and accessible education. In order to foster these meaningful experiences with art I find it important to implement and explore deeply all art mediums, techniques, and concepts so that students are well versed in all areas. Alongside the exploration and art-making I find it important to achieve a deeper understanding of the medium and concepts they are working with exposing students to new modes of creative thinking and problem solving. I believe that teaching art is a way to broaden the scope of student thinking. It is important to teach students about the history of art which includes analyzing and critiquing their own and other artists works of art.
Art education can open new perceptions and possibilities for students to explore in all aspects of their lives, whether it be professionally, personally, and or socially. When students are supported by a solid art environment, they are able to create purposeful art experiences and positive learning outcomes that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.