Teaching Philosophy
The ultimate goal of an educator is to prepare lifelong learners for success as they follow their chosen career path. To this end, it is imperative to expose them to the diverse career options and opportunities available in the fashion industry, creative world as a whole, and in academia. I strongly believe in the importance of opening their eyes to the variety of tasks and options available, as well as the technical qualifications, tools, creativity, and critical thinking skills needed to solve problems and perform successfully. Furthermore, recognizing and acknowledging each student’s strengths can help guide their focus on an area of concentration as they set off on their career journey.
In my previous experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, I learned the importance of meeting them at their level and then encouraging them to reach further. A safe, welcoming, and respectful classroom environment is of great importance to meet this end. I encourage students to take risks as a method of learning in a supportive environment. For example, sometimes a coach has to push an athlete beyond what they think is possible. It’s okay to take risks and acknowledge that outcomes will not always be successful. With risk can come success or failure, but there are always lessons to be learned. It truly is not a failure if a person benefits from acquiring knowledge from the experience in the process. This is part of the make-up of learning and pushing one’s self to do something unknown instead of doing something safe. It can produce unexpected results and greater growth. Often times, students are very caught up in achieving the best grade. While admirable, it also can hinder experimentation or innovation due to the risk of desired grade. Providing feedback and credit for completion, not a grade, can encourage this risk-taking approach. It’s important to have an assortment of evaluation rubrics to afford these opportunities. Curiosity, innovation, and integrity are encouraged in this path of growth. Also, acknowledging different learning styles and encouraging students to recognize how they best learn can improve learner outcomes.
Teaching Methodology
I approach educating through example/modeling which involves demonstration, discussion and then student practice with guidance available as challenges are encountered. Promoting a growth mindset to challenge individual growth is of the utmost importance, as this is what will help propel them ahead in their careers. I continue to work on patternmaking, sewing, design, and illustration in my personal pursuits in addition to working in the industry, which keeps my skill level sharp. This has benefited me in my apparel industry work as well, since pattern analysis, sample review and fittings are all things that are put into practice on a regular basis in the business setting. This also illustrates my philosophy in practice and serves as an example for the students.
As a resident of a culturally diverse community, it is important to draw awareness to the diversity in the creative environment. Drawing attention to artists of different backgrounds, art exhibits incorporating varieties of mediums and methodologies, fashion shows, historical references, pop culture and social media exposes learners to varied markets and all are wonderful ways to help learners grow an appreciation and understanding of the world around them, whether in their own community or the world as a whole. Showing them how design touches all aspects of life and how varied design can be, is important to help students feel connected to the rich community that they are part of and also prepare them to observe trends and innovations that can be applied to their design work.