My Teaching Philosophy:

It is one of my core philosophies that all children are gifted and each one has a unique combination of gifts. Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences ties in beautifully with my own personal experience of the world. I firmly believe that it is the teacher's job to respond to his or her students in a way that helps them to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses with strategies that will build their confidence and skills.  Using visual problems to look at everyday objects in a new way asks students to make new visual connections and enhances self expression.

Our world is changing rapidly. Alvin Toffler said that the illiterate person of the 21st century will not be the person who cannot read or write but the one who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. The workplace of the future will require an ability to collaborate and work in teams, it will require creativity, flexibility and the ability to solve complex problems.  Art is an important tool for preparing the critical and creative thinking skills that will be invaluable in the years to come.  Problem solving through art increases student's higher level thinking skills, technical proficiency and ability to apply these skills to personal expression.

I believe that visual arts tap into areas of the brain that traditional education neglects.  Learning to "see" as an artist activates many dormant parts of the cerebral cortex.  As students learn to perceive light, shape, movement, form and color they activate the areas of the brain where creativity dwells.  Visual problem solving and the creative revision process enhance every student's ability to think innovatively.  My intent is to use visual problem solving to motivate, to open doors and to make new connections through projects that foster growth through personal artistic expression.

My Goal:

To become a full time art educator in a school which values the arts.

My Objectives:

To join an educational institution where:

·  Art is a priority.

·  The administration shares my conviction that art enhances the student's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

·  The administration and teachers work as a team to provide a challenging learning environment for students.

·  The administration, teachers and students routinely give their best and are rewarded for it.

My Qualifications:

Here is what I can add to your teaching team:

·  Passion and enthusiasm

·  Deep knowledge of art technique and art history

·  Compassion and caring for students

·  Articulate about art

·  Comfortable with technology integration

·  Withitness

·  Strong work ethic

·  Great interpersonal skills

·  Commitment to lifelong learning

·  Fluent Portuguese