Alexa Marie Gryga 

 

April 19, 2016

 

 

 

Dear Reader,

 

My name is Alexa Gryga, and I recently graduated with a Art Education major and Fine Arts major with a concentration in Printmaking at Kutztown University.  I extended my education because I enjoy learning new art processes and consider it more that I can teach my future students. With the extra time I’ve gotten experience with all of the fine arts courses, and few craft courses.

 

I believe that the purpose of education is to guide students through set standards and class goals with plenty of time for questioning, exploring, and understanding. All of this must be performed in a caring and effective manner. Art rooms in particular teach everything. It is a subject that covers all of the disciplines in a flourishing visual language. The meaning behind a work of art is up for interpretation. In my future classroom, the students will derive meaning behind the pieces they create. The students will understand that art is not just meant to look beautiful, but it is to express, inspire, advocate, and much more. Through all of this, the student will learn to work individually but also work with groups to solve problems about their work and even address broader problems if possible, including those facing their community, or even the world. In art classes, there are some fundamental drawing skills and other techniques that students need to learn, but I would also like to give my students an outlet to better understand themselves and the world around them through writing, discussion, thinking and creating. Art helps with life skills that are crucial for success. Not all subjects allow such freedom, and that is why I want to teach art.

 

 My goal as an art educator is to act as more of a guide for students to think of their own ideas, and help them learn the skills needed to portray their idea in the ways they envision. This would be achieved through asking students questions, modeling techniques, and trying to talk to each student individually. Showing each and every student that they are cared for equally is important. Additionally, the students should have the materials needed to create their projects the way they envisioned. The teacher must guide the students in order for the students to all succeed. The teacher will do this through questioning, suggesting, demonstrating, inspiring, and much more.
 

One of the most important aspects of teaching is being a flexible teacher and differentiating the instruction. Not all students learn the same way. Some learn better from reading, hearing, or seeing, so it is crucial to be prepared to accommodate multiple learning styles as needed. Their art should also be personal and relatable for them to fully engage in the project. Students learn best when they are working on something they find important and interesting. The teacher allowing such support and guiding them through processes helps them feel cared for. Ultimately, the absolute most important thing about teaching in general is to show EACH student that you care in a stable, safe, and secure environment.

 

 

Sincerely,

Alexa Gryga