I am currently a graduate student of the Art Education and Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education Departments at Illinois State University with a projected graduation date of December 2026. As an educator, I believe the purpose of art and design education is to facilitate a creative and safe space where students can identify and develop their unique ideas, values, and skills. This includes exploring craft, various media techniques, and offering interdisciplinary creative opportunities. A student-centered, culturally relevant approach allows the class to uniquely guide where I take the lessons to allow them to expand on their interests, identity, and also learn new skills to reach the full potential of their artistic aspirations. I believe art education teaches and applies vital life skills that students will carry into their everyday lives. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills, while also boosting self-esteem. Students learn early-on in their academic experiences that art is a universal language, allowing them to engage and connect with cultures and history around the world. Through creating and discussing art and design, students learn to appreciate diversity and develop empathy for people who may have different life experiences and creative thoughts. Art and design education are uniquely flexible in that every student learns differently, and art offers the opportunity to accommodate these diverse learning styles with creative solutions. Some students may focus more on technical skills, while others may explore abstract or conceptual ideas. The flexibility of art allows me to tailor my lessons to the needs of each student, offering them the freedom to explore their creativity while still absorbing new information. It’s a gift as an educator to teach students, but also to learn from them in an inclusive and creative space. 

-Christina Dababneh