Teaching Philosophy

I am Melissa Gerhart and I study art education at the University of Missouri. During my
educational career, I have shadowed and learned from some of the best art educators, who teach at Lee
Elementary School, Gentry and Grant Middle Schools, and Rock Bridge High School. My beliefs about
art education have been molded by my past and present experiences. Growing up, I lived in a small
community, which impacted my life positively. The educational experiences I had in a rural community
are why I am passionate about moving back to a rural area and creating a strong art program.
I believe in a community of learners. By creating a safe space where communication is valued,
students will create a community of artists who push each other. Also, I believe strongly in integrated
arts, because art education can support and extend students learning. I will work closely with content
teachers to integrate information from the content areas to my art classroom to create a learning
community. I believe that art can bridge learning information and can also make it relevant through
hands-on, influential learning.
While creating meaningful art, I believe there is a balance between learning skills and exploring
big ideas. In my art classroom, students will be able to create art that is both exploratory of big ideas and
also well constructed with skills. Also, I believe that as art teachers our job is to encourage students to
create art through observing and reflecting on ideas personally relatable to the student. I will do this by
asking students to push themselves to think critically about issues and concepts while they are creating
art and building skills for their future art. Additionally, as an art teacher, I feel we need to encourage and
embrace technology. I will utilize all forms of art making, including videos, artistic programs, and blogs.
These tools are readily available to help students learn and we should take advantage of this opportunity.
Every single day, I learn from my students. Not only am I teaching them, but they will also
always be teaching me. I am a life long learner, teacher, and artist. I hope to inspire students to think
critically and creatively in hopes that they are able to experience the art room as a place they love and
feel at home, just as I did as an art student.