Teaching Practice

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." - Aristotle

During my 4 years of study at NCAD, the undertaking of four school placements, with an additional SEN placement, were required to gain teaching practice in a variety of education settings. These placements provided opportunities to integrate into a school setting in a meaningful and purposeful way and take part in school life beyond the confines of the art room through involvement in extra curricular activities. I also attended college-based seminars related to professional preparation during these placements.

Philosophy of Teaching

As an artist and educator, I am passionate about the continuing development of knowledge and skills that people experience during and after formal education, as well as the invaluable lessons that happen outside of the classroom. My philosophy of teaching is anchored by my drive to continue as a lifelong learner, developing my teaching and art practice to continue growing as a facilitator of art education.

I believe that students are capable of doing great work at any age, and my goal is to motivate, inspire, build confidence and empower them to think and work like artists. As a teacher of art, I aim to help students gain the thinking and technical skills needed to communicate their ideas, passions and interests through visual art and make work that is meaningful to them. I strive to give each student support and build their confidence by encouraging them to explore their personal interests through project work, giving students a greater sense of autonomy over their own learning. Students are urged to value their own perceptions and to give visual, verbal and written feedback in response to concepts explored in and out of the classroom.

Not all students will grow up to work as artists, but the valuable skills gained through art education, such as an appreciation of art, knowledge of art history, technical skills, creative thinking and problem solving will certainly serve them in some aspect of their chosen careers. As Pablo Picasso said, "learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist".