Ashleigh Burskey '13
MECA’s program stresses the critical practice of self-reflection and as a result, I know myself better now than I did when I first arrived.
When I searched for graduate programs, I was looking for a small-sized class and a fierce course of study which emphasized an artist-educator philosophy, educational theory and hands-on experience. MECA&D’s program stresses the critical practice of self-reflection and as a result, I know myself better now than I did when I first arrived. This new depth of understanding has made me better prepared to become the teacher I most want to be. I have realized that learning occurs when we reflect on the connection of information learned in the classroom to our experiences in the field. When we contextualize knowledge into our unique experiences we become more grounded and empathetic educators.
An emphasis on student-centered teaching in MECA&D’s art education program revealed to me that my artwork is not only a visual response to the contemporary society in which we live, but also a culmination of my experiences reflected through the lens of my identity. My work is an embodiment of my struggle to identify my position in the technologically driven and amnesiac environment we experience today. It is important to understand and empathize with each of our student’s identities for only when we know that their artwork is a reflection of their world and unique experience have we effectively taught