Stephanie S. Bourdier
- Art Teacher -

Teaching Philosophy 

What does it take to become an impactful teacher? How does one create a good influence in the lives of students through art? These are questions I ask myself as I navigate my way toward becoming an art teacher. In the esteemed position of teaching art in the classroom, it is my hope to help enable students to become better versions of themselves, not just in critical thinking and creativity, but in increasing their mindfulness and empathy. I find that art plays a vital role in creating a positive place for self-expression, speaking in profound ways that need no translator. As quoted by Barbara Jordan, “The arts are not a frill. The arts are a response to our individuality and our nature and help to shape our identity. What is there that can transcend deep difference and stubborn divisions? The arts. They have wonderful universality. Art has the potential to unify. It can speak in many languages without a translator. The arts do not discriminate. The arts lift us up.” I want to help create a safe, accepting space in which students can explore art freely. Through my experience, building positive relationships with students are essential to making and maintaining a good classroom. It is something I strive to do in each classroom I visit. Students want to be seen, accepted, and celebrated, and it is my belief that it is of utmost importance for a teacher to provide such for them. While I keep standards high in terms of conduct and skill, it is important to meet them and encourage them from where they are to instill the confidence they need and crave to push forward and improve themselves in both arts and in themselves.

My duty as a teacher in terms of art education is to fill the children with wonder and excitement when it comes to art. Whether it’s through a new medium or project, I want to create opportunities for their creativity to not only be tested but to flourish beautifully in the classroom. Through this, I hope that they find new avenues in which they can express ideas in ways that they didn’t before, and that they become passionate in their doing so. In teaching the arts, I aim to expand their imagination, critical thinking skills, awareness and appreciation for the world around them, and their ability to communicate ideas in effective ways. These skills are essential in becoming successful, whole, and compassionate human beings in the future. As Ken Rogers says, “Imagination is the source of every human achievement”.

Having the privilege to share in their journey and experience brings me a sense of fulfillment that I would feel in no other profession or vocation. It gives me great joy and satisfaction when a student comes up, excited to show me something they’ve created. I feel this even more so when they have garnered such enthusiasm for a certain medium or subject that they start creating these pieces of art in their free time. I love to share in my students’ excitement and joy and watch them develop and grow both creatively and as whole people. These things, by far, make teaching worthwhile.