Hello, I'm Stephanie Burns.
Teaching Philosophy: Art As an art educator, my philosophy is that every student can create art, regardless of their background or skill level. Artistic expression is an innate human trait, and it is my responsibility to foster that creativity in each of my students. My goal is to develop a learning environment that inspires, encourages exploration of new ideas, and builds confidence through their work. Art is a powerful tool for communication and self-discovery, enabling students to understand themselves and the world. I believe in taking a teaching approach that nurtures individual creativity, supports risk-taking, and ensures students tap into their unique potential. I strive to provide my students with a diverse range of tools, techniques, and art history knowledge, exposing them to classical and contemporary artists from around the world. Allowing students to explore various concepts and media helps them discover their personal style and preferences while broadening their understanding of what art can be. The classroom, whether remote or in person, is a place for students to experiment and make mistakes without fear. Not every project will be a success, but I want to encourage them to reflect and learn from each artwork they produce. By creating a supportive relationship with my students, I hope to foster resilience, curiosity, and lifelong appreciation for the arts. As a teacher, my most important job is to ensure that my students leave my course feeling confident, empowered, and proud of their growth. Prioritizing individual styles and educational content is at the core of my teaching philosophy. I achieve this by fostering open communication and critical thinking. I aim to create a curriculum that respects the unique cultures and perspectives of each student. Our differences make us beautiful, and creating art that helps students embrace themselves and their stories can lead to greater confidence and empathy for others. Overall, as an art teacher, my philosophy centers on creating an inclusive, engaging, and exploratory educational experience where all students feel valued and inspired. These guiding principles help me motivate my students to use art as a means of self-expression, healing, and personal growth, equipping them with the confidence to pursue their passions beyond the classroom. I want to shape creative, confident, and compassionate young artists who aren’t afraid to take risks, express themselves, and continue creating art throughout their lives. Degrees: Bachelor of Science(BS) in Art Education Master of Liberal Arts: Publication & Counseling Degree(s) Track: Master's in Communication (MA) - Fall 2026 Masters of Fine Arts: Graphic Design (MFA) - Fall 2027 Doctor of Philosophy: Strategic Media (PhD)- Fall 2029 Doctor of Philosophy: Communication (PhD)- Spring 2030 License(s): PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE: Class B, Elementary-Secondary (020) Grades P-12 02/21/2019 11/16/2023-6/30/2029 Visual Arts (001DF) 02/21/2019 Class B, Secondary (16A) Grades 6-12 11/16/2023 11/16/2023-6/30/2029 English Language Arts (67AFF) 11/16/2023