Educator

I have been in teaching for approximately 8+ years. Lecturing in Universities, Colleges and High School Level. These are collections of works I have done with students in that time.

Teaching Philosophy

OVERVIEW

At the core of my teaching philosophy lies the belief in creating curiosity and fostering a sense of wonder in students. This approach is inspired by Andrew Stanton’s notion that wonder creates a world of endless possibilities. In my classroom, I see a child’s wonder as the gateway to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Through the medium of creative arts, I aim to build an educational environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore various answers including their own, and in doing so, learn about the world and themselves.

Advocacy for Arts Integration

I am a firm advocate for integrating the arts, and elements of play, as found in theatre, into the educational process. This integration allows students to engage in learning in a manner that is natural to them – as children – while simultaneously challenging and expanding their creative thinking. Art, in my perspective, is not just a subject but a vital tool for holistic development, enabling students to express themselves, explore different identities, and understand the world from various viewpoints.

Approaches to Teaching

In the classroom, I utilize a blend of educational strategies and approaches, but my primary tools are my own body, voice, and creativity. These tools are employed to open up multiple worlds for students, guiding them to use their bodies and minds to construct their own realities and narratives. Key questions that drive my teaching approach include: How can what we learn in the classroom be applied in real-world contexts? How can complex concepts be made accessible and teachable by students to their peers?

Influences and Inspirations

I subscribe to the philosophy that learning should be an enjoyable and engaging process, one that continually sparks wonder and the desire to acquire more knowledge. My teaching methods are influenced by a diverse array of individuals and education advocates, such as Sir Ken Robinson, who emphasize the importance of art in education. Influential choreographers like Crystal Pite and Lloyd Newson have also inspired me with their explorations of the body and space. Each skill I acquire and each developmental stride I make is channeled back into my teaching, with the aim of enriching and empowering myself and my students.