Teaching Philosophy

I have always had a passion for teaching and helping others where I believe teaching is without doubt my vocation. Having worked as a commercial interior designer I decided that I wanted to take a career break and follow my ultimate goal of studying to become an Art & Design teacher where I could have the privilege to combine my love of helping others and my passion for Art, Craft and Design. As a trained Special Needs Assistant I have had the responsibility of caring for children's social and emotional needs where my eyes have been opened in so many different ways. Through the PME I have gained experience in facilitating pupils in the opposite role of facilitating and introducing the learning and methodologies to the pupils which has given me the opportunity to learn a great deal about myself, which is confirming my passion for teaching the subject of Art and Design. I have become self aware, confident and eager to gain further knowledge in all aspects of art and design education.

As a student educator of the subject of Art, Craft and Design my aim is to focus on the pupils and their prior knowledge and beliefs that they bring to class regarding the subject to be learned. I facilitate pupils in linking new content and skills to their prior knowledge and to draw out any misconceptions they may have about the topic that may distort their learning. I help my pupils to become independent learners. As a student art teacher educator, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my subject knowledge and pedagogical skills. I set an example by continuing to be a student of Art, of teaching, and of learning and sharing this information with my pupils I order to embrace the fact that learning is a lifelong process and it is my role to instill this in the future generation of visual learners. I always endeavor to bring enthusiasm to each lesson I teach as I feel that it is imperative that pupils enjoy and have a passion for the work which they carry out while in an interactive classroom environment. I believe that the constructivist approach to education is an effective introduction to my teaching practice where I  aim to place an emphasis on the pupils  building  own understandings of the world and experiences while reflecting on those experiences in light of what they already know and believe.

I feel as a student teacher to date I have developed trusting relationships, which have benefited my practice greatly due to this philosophy. It is my passion in life to strive to always be involved in the education and care for pupils with Special Needs. I have always tried my utmost to be as flexible as possible, whether working with students on one to one bases, in a group, with peers or as a pupils to develop and encourage learning. I thrive to be as sensitive as possible to the pupils needs, which is reflected in my planning and organization for class. I use excellent communication skills to help students get through any issues, which might arise on a daily basis.

As a student Art and resource teacher one must consider if there is anything special about teaching to a pupil with special needs? Does the teacher approach the curriculum from a specialized point of view or take a more holistic standpoint? Thus believing in  good teaching should be good teaching for all and not be limited to one particular group of pupils. In light of the recent progress since the passing of 1998 Education Act and the further progress of the disability movement in Ireland, the term special needs has been adopted and is ever expanding to include many disabilities, I have focused  a great deal on the area of special needs and the inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream education within my teaching practice. I’ve looked at ways improving the relationship between pupil and teacher and the quality of education. I have observed the multi diverse classroom and wish to highlight possible solution to issues both emotional and physical relating to each unique pupil.