KAYLA WANDSNIDER

I believe in a hands-on, critical thinking, research based education. An education that teaches our children how we live, work, and be successful in the 21st century; an education that motivates students to think outside of the box, that challenges their beliefs, opinions and ideas. I believe in an education that helps their individual growth and encourages self- discovery. Education needs to integrate intermingling of all subjects, leading to collaboration, making it more about the experience for the students rather than the outcome.

The idea of intermingling subjects, creating experience and collaboration between students, and encouraging autonomy and individual growth are things that I could easily accomplish in a preexisting educational institution. I believe in the creation of artists and critical thinkers; the production of individuals who know how to solve a problem, rather than just being able to repeat the answers.

My personal philosophy as an art educator is completely depended on my students and what's best for them. I want them to become flourishing individuals who can live happy and successful lives. Individuals who are problem solvers, critical thinkers, and creative artists who can pull their talents into whichever career they decide to delve into. I want my students to shape their lives based off the experiences they live out. Roger Schank declares, "Teachers are supposed to be people who help students find their interests in life, think about how to make decisions, and understand how to approach a problem, or otherwise live sensibly. Teaching means being available to help" (xiii-xiv) [2]. I want to be there to help my students find who they are and succeed in life in anyway that seems to fit themselves, rather that's art related or not. I want to make a difference in my students that leads them to live successful, flourishing lives.