"I love teaching because I love sharing my passions with my students in an effort to expose them to the importance of art in the world. Exposing students to how they make connections in and among the arts is something I always try to incorporate in my teachings. Art as subject, art as an integration. The art of writing and storytelling and how that works alongside a photograph. Does one inform or inspire another? Seeing how art can be functional and how all things created in this world have some element of creativity behind them. As a result of students’ participation in the arts, I believe they develop a more keen sense of self. Multiculturalism. Once an individual understand his/her history he or she will then be better equipped to understand others. Being a part of a collaborative classroom environment that encourages a respectful sharing with each other and community members, students learn and develop a better understanding of self within their community. The developed understanding and respect for one another will always serve as a well-rounded and open learning experience in their future endeavors. This learned mutual understanding of self and of others will allow students to take risks with their voice, their artwork, their opinions, and it will drive accessibility towards peer collaboration and learning. They will ultimately learn how art can change people's’ perceptions and impact not only their community, but people outside of it."
~ Ms. Jennings |