Teaching Philosophy
As an art educator, I believe art is not linear. There are multiple facets of creation where
learning is turned sensual and personal. There is a time and place in which a learning artist is
motivated through technique and practice, as well as experiments and craft. No matter how
technical or conceptual an artistic idea may be, I stand firm in my ability to encourage self
reflection, artistic process, and innovative approaches to art.
I aim to be flexible within my practice due to arts’ interdisciplinary aspects where every
artist encounters extremely diverse and complex disciplines. Art is more than just art. Artists are
more than just artists. Art educators are more than just art educators. With this in mind, my goal
is to create a classroom culture where learners feel empowered to create via self-exploration,
curiosity, and creative thinking. Learners are continuously sculpting and revising their artistic
lens during each creative venture that they encounter. Which brings me back to including both
technical and conceptual forms of art in my practices. Every artist will face proper technique of
materials, aesthetics, and subjects, but by no means does that solidify their artistic purpose. Just
like any other job, hobby, or activity there is a ‘proper’ way of executing it that has been
established throughout history. Since art is not linear, I do not believe in confining my students to
that specific process or any process for that matter.
Art is personal and open-minded. For many, it goes beyond the classroom and inhabits
everyday life whether they notice it or not. As an educator, I strive to make students notice. I
want to stimulate their artistic abilities that they were not aware of. I want to discuss and enable
art that matters in their own eyes, not necessarily what the art world has told them. I aim for
them to push their limits, yet find comfort in their ability to produce and experience art.
Ms. Ifland's Art Room Wish List
Please consider supporting me in creating a safe and inviting space for my most favorite artists! Every learner in my art room deserves to have the resources it takes to understand, make, and display their art.
As a first year teacher, I aim to gather the materials needed to produce a successful learning environment for each and every student. This takes a lot of time, money, and effort, in which I am willing to advocate for. As every student learns and expresses themselves individually throughout their art making journey, my hope is that they feel included and valued every step of the way.
Every contribution is appreciated no matter how big or small. Thank you!
Interested in art lessons for you or your child?
I am available for one-on-one art lessons or group mini lessons via in-person or zoom. If you are a parent looking for fun activities to engage your child, I am in the process of uploading a variety of mini lessons to this site just for you!
Please contact me through my email or socials found on the contact page. There is also the "let's chat" feature located at the bottom right of the screen which will shoot me a message directly.