
“The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives."
-Robert M. Hutchins
Teaching Philosophy:
Art has always been my first language—the way I made sense of the world growing up. As an educator, I want to offer students the same power of visual expression. I believe art education is essential not only for developing technical skills but also for nurturing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and personal expression.
My teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel empowered to explore and express themselves. Creative practices can help students develop cognitive thinking, emotional awareness, and gross motor skills. Art also transcends traditional academic boundaries, allowing students to communicate visually when words may not suffice. This opens doors for empathy and connection across cultures as students engage with diverse perspectives and the world around them.
I also believe art education should foster a deep appreciation for cultural and historical contexts. By integrating art history and diverse narratives into the curriculum, students gain a broader understanding of global traditions and the role of art in shaping human experience. This helps cultivate respect for cultural differences and a stronger social understanding.
In my future classroom, I aim to create a student-centered, process-oriented space where exploration, risk-taking, and mistakes are not only welcomed—but encouraged. By prioritizing each student’s interests, needs, and learning styles, I will help students gain confidence in their creative abilities. Assessment will be reflective and growth-focused, including verbal critiques, peer feedback, and documentation of creative journeys to support student self-awareness and progress.
Collaboration is another key pillar of my teaching. When students thoughtfully engage with each other’s work, they not only learn to give and receive feedback—they also build empathy, decision-making skills, and a sense of community. These qualities prepare students for real-world experiences and teamwork in creative fields.
Ultimately, my goal as an art educator is to inspire students to become thoughtful creators, compassionate individuals, and lifelong lovers of the arts. I'm not just teaching students how to make art—I'm helping them discover who they are through it.
Kaeleigh Mackiewicz, Early Field, Printmaking Exploration, teacher exemplar (enlarged), 2024