Rachel Jensen's Teaching Portfolio

 

Rachel's selfimageArt education is more than just free time or play time. It provides an opportunity for students to think in new ways. An art educator’s job is to challenge and encourage students to examine art, culture, and beliefs. Developing a creative mind is like acquiring a key to unlock a door of limitless possibility. By awakening a student’s sense of wonder, or what could be, a teacher can better a student’s ability to see the choices and construct alternative resolutions when faced with situations that might result in stagnation or negativity. Art education equips students with powerful tools to avoid or eliminate such negative paths, making it possible to act as responsible, productive citizens, contributing to the global community and pushing forward towards a positive future.

My self image is from my sculpture entitled I Fall to Pieces… and Then I Put Myself Back Together Again.”  It illustrates the reconstruction process. In order to get at the meaning of things and develop a complete identity, we continuously tear down our old belief structures and examine the parts. Then, we rebuild ourselves as stronger and wiser individuals.  The process of self examination through art is a great way to help develop reflective thinking. Facilitating this process is a way I can use my talents to help others and contribute to the betterment of society.