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My teaching philosophy is based on theories in art education, teaching experience, and artistic practices. As I taught in different countries and cultures I learned of the possibilities of different theories in Art Education. In the fine arts some of these included:

  • Studio Thinking, by Lonis Hetland, Ellen Winner, Shirley Veenema, Kimberly M.Sheridan
  • Artful Scribbles, by Howard Gardner
  • Creative and Mental Growth, by Lowenfeld and Brittain
  • Experiential Learning in the Classroom, by Scott D. Wurdlinger

While teaching Visual Art in Slovakia, I learned and practiced in the grade school and high school classroom Choice Based method and Studio Thinking (@project zero, createquity), or Teaching for Artistic Behaviours (TAB). They both apply a combination of common studio practices, demonstration/lecture, student-work-in-progress, and feedback/critique, and includes the 8 Habits of Mind based on research done in successful art classrooms across America. I carried this experience forward to apply in other educational settings. 

In Slovakia, I also taught IB Visual Arts for 3.5 years. Students graduated and attend Central St. Martins, London; Leeds College of Art & Design, England; and applications to Savannah College of Art & Design, USA.

Through teaching experience I integrated Technology in my classroom, in the following ways;

  • Digital program access is allowed, such as Procreate and other drawing apps.
  • Art Class/Teacher Blog (with assignments, links, and curriculum)
  • Blog Portfolios
  • 3D pen (access)
  • QR code research Bulletin Board

I participated in professional development art workshops that were provided by schools, school boards, and education associations. Some of these were:

  • Making Ink from Plants (Budapest, Hungary, CEESA)
  • Anishnaabe traditional arts (e.g. leather craft, and storytelling, Great Moon Gathering in Matheson, ON)
  • Poser Software in the Art Classroom (Durham District School Board, Oshawa,ON)

I also provided a Professional Development workshop, Art for Multiple Subject Elementary Classrooms, at the QSI Eastern Europe PD days (Bratislava, Slovakia).

I am certified by the Ontario College of Teachers, Canada, and have met the Province of Ontario standards in the Visual Arts. I also found them to be an excellent guide for my international teaching placement.

As an exhibiting artist, I also bring with me experience from the professional art world and 15+ years working as a Graphic Designer in Publication design, with illustration experience. A few of my reference books are:

  • Passion and Pedagogy, edited by Elijah Mirochnik, Debora Claiborne Sherman
  • On Not Being Able to Paint, by Marion Milner

My own interests and research have resulted in the web sites:

  • Through the Sketchbook
  • Modern Art Survey, with Women in Mind
  • Art Brut Education Kit

Lesa Moriarity, OCT
BFA, Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design, 2000

MFA, University of Leeds, 2003  

B.Ed, Queen’s University, 2007