1

EDU 201 Portfolio Preparation Artifact # 3 – Philosophy of Education

Suzannah Hsie

College of Southern Nevada

EDU 201 – 1004

Professor Susan Bridges

November 20, 2022

2

Artifact # 3 – Philosophy of Education

I teach because of the joy I get from helping others and watching them learn and grow.

Watching a student understand a new concept they were struggling with is satisfying. The light

in their eyes as they realize that they ‘got it’ and the smile that fills their faces makes mine do the

same.

I first started teaching when I was a long-term substitute art teacher for 1st grade during

the pandemic lockdown. I was unemployed, and the opportunity was too good to ignore. Art is a

passion of mine that never dwindles, and I knew that teaching it would mean that I had an excuse

to do more of it. I wasn’t nervous since kids are easily impressed and I had such an amazing time

working with them. I hadn’t realized how fulfilling having students look up to you could be.

Their constant compliments are also a bonus!

My mom has been a music teacher for 30 years and my great aunts as well as my great-

grandmother were all teachers; however, I never looked at being a teacher as being a career

choice for myself until this experience. This may have been since my mother teaches music and

my extended relatives were all core-class teachers, and I never had any interest in teaching those.

My everlasting hunger for art and all things related to it now fuels a love for education as well.

For my observations, I watched another artist. He was splendidly kind and had mastered

the art of facial control for the few times a student said something completely inappropriate to

him. I learned so much of his supplies, organization, and the way he structed his scaffolding

curriculum. The way he worked with both inclusion kindergarten and 1st grade classes was eye-

opening to see. I hadn’t thought of the possibilities of working with students who were on such a

different level of dexterity and knowledge.

3

The educational philosophy of postmodernism and the psychological orientation of

humanism. I believe that the world isn’t black and white, but mostly shades of gray. Every

individual experiences and sees the world in their own way. We all experience our own realities

and art is the representation of them. Art styles are known to be influenced by personal

experiences as well as mental health. What is put down onto paper is what the artist sees and

feels. I strive to build relationships with students so that they feel comfortable and safe in my

care. When they feel safe, they can truly learn about themselves and develop their self-

knowledge.

As an artist I’ve learned that when you have rules or barriers, creativity is found. A

heavily structured classroom helps students to be able to truly clear their heads when it is time

for them to work. Defined classroom rules with examples of do’s and don’ts take all the extra

thinking and guesswork out and leave more time for fun! I teach by doing the actions myself as

well as verbalizing what I’m doing a few times before having the students repeat after me. This

way there is very little room for error.

Student diversity is increasing rapidly. Cultures are mixing and students are coming from

all different backgrounds. There are many artists from all different cultures and races that I teach

about, and they may be able to relate to. There are many differing art styles that will be taught as

well as many different mediums that I am sure they will find one that brings them joy. All that I

look for is whether they student understood the concepts, used the materials correctly, and gave

it their best.

To continue in this career, I need to focus on learning more about ceramics and clear

communication. I need to complete my education degrees and gain my teaching licensure as well
4

as complete my private art schooling. This will hopefully only take another year and a half if I do

it all correctly and quickly.