Instructor: Mrs. Darcey Hammond
It is with great pleasure that I began teaching art at Rogers Park Elementary School this year. I moved to Anchorage during the spring 2007 from the Marshall Islands. I worked within the school system and taught pottery on the island of Kwajalein. What an experience! But, it was time to move on to Alaska and I am excited to be here! Rogers Park has a wonderful program and I am happy to be a part of it.
Experience
1998 - Student Teaching in Lincoln, Nebraska and Beatrice, Nebraska
1999 - Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Nebraska
1999 - 2005 - Teaching Elementary Art in Las Vegas, Nevada
2001 - Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Phoenix
2001 - Present - Continuing Education at the University of Phoenix Online
2004 - Elementary Endorsement
2005 - 2007 - Art Director of Namo Weto Teen Center, Professional Development Coordinator and Curriculum Specialist for the Kwajalein School System and Pottery Instructor at the Kwajalein Hobby Shop in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands
2007 - Present - Art Instructor at Rogers Park Elementary School
Mission Statement
Inspire students to learn and appreciate art
Nurture each student's individual artistic voice
Secure a place where students feel safe to create and express themselves freely
Provide opportunities for growth, learning and thinking
Incorporate teachers, administrators, parents and community in the art education of the children
Respect every student as an individual
Empower students with the skills needed to succeed
Art Teaching Philosophy
It is my belief that a visual arts program should be an integral part of every child's education regardless of their age, gender, race, culture, or mental and physical abilities. Through the arts children explore ideas about themselves and the world around them. They develop self confidence along with critical thinking and problem solving skills that are imperative to living in the world today.
As an art educator, my goal is to reach every student on an individual level. I accomplish this through motivating students to embrace creating and learning. The foundation for a classroom of learning is creating a secure and comfortable environment where students can obtain the skills nessessary to achieve their goals and express their individuality.
The Language of Art
Creating a fluid art language takes practice and on-going education. This includes learning the vocabulary associated with art, understanding the meaning and function of the elements of art and design, learning how to communicate meanings, decoding works of art and eventually working toward creating ones own individual artistic voice or style. Being fluent in the language of art assists the students in clearly expressing themselves through participation in critiques, discussing aesthetics, and understanding ones own artistic voice.
Making Connections
A basic fundamental of learning is making connections. This is no different when learning art. Providing more opportunities for students to make connections in the classroom strengthens their art aptitude. Integration of core subjects reinforces the importance of education and a well rounded understanding of subject connections. Art history connections teach students about where art began, how it was used and how it has evolved over time through artists and their corresponding movements. Creating cultural connections teaches students about the lives of people from all parts of the world as well as increasing understanding and respect.
Art Production
Learning to use the creative process and mastering a variety of techniques are the foundation for successful art production. Using the creative process teaches the students to consciously create a work of art with meaning and purpose. This process is a skill that takes time and practice. Applying learned techniques create an understanding how the different media and tools can be used to create as well. There are a variety of techniques that can be used in any medium to assist in the desired effect of an art work. The newest techniques stem from technological assisted processes.