Hodge's Philosophies about Arts Education

In a world where almost every bit of information is at our finger tips, the skills students need are skills like problem solving, creative thinking, decision making, and working with others! These skills are what we teach in art. My goals as an art educator are not necessarily to make my students into artists, but to allow them an outlet in which to express themselves and appreciate art. I want my students to make personal statements about who they are, what they like and dislike, and why. That requires students to be reflective and make decisions about what in their world holds value. Art classes give students an opportunity to find out who they are. They are places for students to use their brains in a different way. Arts education is an opportunity to make students better thinkers and problem solvers; it is also a place where they learn about themselves and the world around them. Through carefully designed lessons that teach about different cultures, the elements of design, and self -expression, my classes give students the opportunity to grow as individuals, develop sensitivities to others, and learn to work and create in a meaningful and productive way. I believe art to be a very rare and valuable learning experience.
Being a teacher means the world to me. I take my responsibilities as a teacher very seriously. I believe education to be a noble profession. We send our children to school for the majority of their childhood and adolescence. We trust school professionals to care, nurture, and educate our children. Educators are responsible for keeping our children safe and for giving them the tools they need to be the productive, happy, and healthy future of our world. I always strive to make my classroom a place where students can learn to develop themselves, to appreciate others and the world around them, and to become the best people they can be.
I love what I do!! My wish for my students is that they all find what they love and are passionate about and make it a vital part of their lives. Love what you do; everything else will follow.