Mari Mansfield
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Education

 
 

Teaching Philosophy

Art is a catalyst that leads every child to become an independent thinker. I believe that all teachers are in the unique position to be an influence in a student’s life and it is my goal to provide students with the tools they need to meet their full potential academically, creatively, socially, and emotionally. I believe that art can help each student to become independent and gain self-confidence. 

Being curious is an essential part of the learning process and I will encourage my students to ask questions and not to look towards only me for the answers, but to find different answers in new places. Art is a subject where students can explore new ways of thinking and answers are found through independent problem solving. I will encourage students to develop strong ideas and to feel comfortable sharing them and articulating these ideas. 

Feeling self-conscious is a part of life every person has to deal with, but I feel that having less self-conscious thoughts allows people to feel more capable of free self expression. I have observed children become self-conscious about their work saying: “This is wrong, I made a mistake.” The great thing about art, and life, is that mistakes make art unique and they are an essential part of learning and growing. Art is the only areas in academia where students can make mistakes and still succeed. I want all of my students to feel that mistakes are nothing to be ashamed of, to embrace mistakes as a part of the learning process. When a child has self respect they can feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, respecting others, and exploring new ideas.

 
 
 

 

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Miss Mansfield developed a positive relationship with staff, our administration, the elementary art staff and her students. I observed several situations in which her creative problem solving abilities were evident. She uses humor, patience and firmness to maintain classroom control. The students responded well to her teaching style.

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/  Tanya McCue  /