MY PHILOSOPHY: So, I am believing that perhaps I can start blogging my thoughts about education on this site, in the hopes that my students may read my words and get to understand how I teach.

I will not try to teach you to paint like me. I will not try to teach you to draw like me. I WILL try to teach you to THINK like an ARTST. To Create how an Artist Creates. I will try to instruct you on building concepts, to critically think, to organize your approaches and to find your voice. I know you all WISH you could “paint and draw like me”…but you shouldn’t…you should paint and draw “like you”.

All too often, I encounter teachers or students that take the ‘easy way out’ and keep techniques so closely linked with their Style. Imitate me. Do what I do. “Teach how I was taught” is the chain of education. In today’s culture, it is more imporant to use Art as a means to open communication abilities, to strenghten creativity and allow for the freedom of making decisions. YES- Technique is the core of creating Art, but PERSONA is the VOICE of art. HOW do you teach Persona? How does an educator get you to create with what you believe is the right visual solutions…?

…How does an educator implement a self-desire to ‘learn-how-to-learn”? –because in the end, that is what learning is all about–finding your answers in this crazy world where few people have them for you…it’s your quest.

I ask you all alot of questions. SURE, I will try to lead you there from time to time…talk about composition, a discussion on color decisions…but in the end, each and every one of you will answer your own questions. That is my philosophy. I will NOT do it for you…but I will crack open your door a bit for you to peek in. I will give you the keys, but I might not tell you which one works…try them all…and you’ll never forget.

I am more concerned with your journey then the final destination.
Be a BETTER PERSON when you leave my room–not just a “better artist”.

My procedures are simple: The Three “R’s

R=Reflective, about your art, your inspirations, YOUR life!

If you doubt yourself, ask if what you are doing or about to do is Respectful, Responsible or Reflective…if not, you can make a better choice!

1. Polite non-verbal warning, A.K.A.-The Look

2. Verbal clue…Can we make better choices

3. In-class Group Discussion with Class Involvement.

4. Administration Involvement

Obviously, I will NOT TOLERATE ANY VIOLENCE, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, WEAPONS OR DEROGATORY REMARKS. Behavior as such will result in immediate removal and confrontation with the proper authorities.

It is illegal to inflict harm, possess illegal substances and any form of harassment is against the law. You are young CITIZENS with rights that are not to be abused and as young citizens you are expected to create a fellowship with your peers, family and your educators.

BEHAVIOR

You are expected to be on time. When you arrive late, you disturb the students that are already in class and this behavior is disrespectful towards myself and your peers.

You are expected to arrive ready to work. Physcially, Mentally and Equipped ALWAYS with the very least: Pencil and Paper.

You should remain at your workstation for the period. You will not be dismissed until your area is clean and your supplies are put away.

Profanity will not be tolerated nor will the verbal or physical abuse of another student will not be tolerated.

This includes SELF-ABUSE! I do not allow any self-derogatory remarks reflecting your own work. Your artwork is a reflection of yourself. My classroom is about self-respect and that starts with your artwork !

ART SAFETY

I expect that you respect the tools and materials we use in the art room. You are expected to use supplies for intended use only. Use precautions as directed and there is no tolerance for ‘horseplay’.

If an accident occurs in class, causing physical injury, notify the teacher at once.

ART PARTNER

You are assigned or you will choose an “Art Table” for the term. It is expected that you enable one another to be on task, catch up on missed work, prepare for tests/quizzes and simply work together to improve the efficiency of our class. Remember: Ask your Art-Table first, then ask Mrs. G.

CONSEQUENCES

First and Foremost, follow the procedures in your student handbook!

I do not consider discipline as a means to reinforcement.
We are all young adults, treat others as you would like to be treated.

PROJECT GRADING RUBRICS ARE POSTED IN CLASS:
THERE ARE NO SURPRISES ON WHAT YOU WILL BE GRADED ON!
RUBRICS ARE HANDED BACK WITH COMMENTS AT CONCLUSION OF PROJECT.

Aside from the normal grading procedures of projects, homework assignments and test scores I expect students to develop a respectful demeanor towards one another. Art is a direct expression about LIFE and how you perceive it through your senses…and LIFE is a personal perception of how you feel about yourself through the interactions between: you and yourself & you and your peers.

I expect each student to be RESPECTABLE as well as RESPONSIBLE & REFLECTIVE.

“A�? student: Excels in artistic skill and learnings through Projects; Strong work habits; Genuine dedication to art; Goes beyond classroom activities; Contributes to the class; Pays attention and completes homework with much time, enthusiasm and effort; Helps others develop with patience; Very respectful of others and is well respected in the class by peers.

“B�? student: Dedicated to developing artistic skills; Completes homework with effort; Pays attention in class and contributes to discussions; Proficient project work; Very Respectful of others.

“C�? student: Develops knowledge in art appreciation; Some Class Participation; Acceptable project work; Completes some homework assignments; Pays attention in class; Very Respectful of others.

“D�? student: Little development in art appreciation; Little to no class participation; Unacceptable completion of projects and/or homework; Little interaction with others.

“F�? student: No effort in class; Unacceptable project completion; Does not participate in class; Fails to hand in homework; Treats others with Disrespect.

Projects 50%
Quizzes and Homework are 25%
Behavior and Participation 25%

In the event of poor attendance, there is EXTRA CREDIT work that can be found here online. I will offer these as bonus points to account for unacceptable work that was produced as a direct result of poor attendance. If there is a need for a long-term absence due to an emergency with family or personal issues, please discuss your options with me as soon as possible.