Teaching Philosophy

I believe in an engaged pedagogical stance.  Teaching is an active conversation between individuals through voice, action, writing, and visual stimulation.  My classroom becomes a forum for intellectual debate and understanding, an arena in which each student has an equal and valid voice.  This form of education allows students the confidence to discover themselves and articulate their personal beliefs in a non-judgmental setting.  I expect students to bring their own ideas and life experiences to the classroom, enriching the education of all, including the instructor.  This form of learning carries over outside of the classroom and initiates a process in which students will continue to seek out new angles and debates on subjects of interest.

In the classroom, I encourage conceptual development and support students working in a wide range of approaches from the traditional to the experimental.  I am dedicated to exposing students to critical theory, history, and cultural perspectives.  Coming from a progressive and interdisciplinary artistic background, I am open to new ideas and experimentation as well as breaking conventions in order to accommodate a particular concept.  At the same time, however, I refrain from imposing my own artistic agenda upon the students.  I allow individuals to work in the manner and with the subjects they choose.  I then direct students to references that may be beneficial, thereby customizing each class and individuals' experience.

I always respect the concerns, interests, and criticism of my students in and outside of the classroom.  It is important to allow myself to be open and to make every effort to accommodate the students.  It is essential for me to teach while creating my own work, as I see the two activities as being intrinsically related.  The interactions that take place in a creatively charged arena are a continual site of inspiration and knowledge.

I expect to continue my own learning/art production and research on topics of interest.  The broader my educational endeavors, the more I am able to pass on to students.  Teaching provides a prime creative and academic atmosphere to continue my own intellectual pursuits while facilitating, and being facilitated by the students.