Gisela Pretorius

Background

About Gisela Pretorius

My teaching philosophy is a student centered approach with the use of technology. I believe that students are capable of doing great work at any age, and my job is to inspire and empower them to think and work like artists. In my classroom, I am only a guide and helping them achieve and learn to the best of their abilities, giving students opportunities to create and solve artistic problems and get out of their comfort zone. I challenge students to try new things and to achieve what they thought they couldn't. I incorporate technology into the classroom like google classroom or google virtual arts and culture to show them museums etc that they might never see. Most students will not grow up to work as artists, but the habits of mind gained through art classes will serve them no matter their future career path and help them be creative in anything they venture into in the future. I am a certified art teacher with 10 years of work experience instructing students of all ages in the field of art. Though I have a special interest in drawing and design education, I am capable of teaching various types of art such as watercolor painting, oil painting, and charcoal sketching. I also have experience in teaching Design to high school students. My method of instruction is simple. I only teach technique to students; I never tell them what they should create. Art is highly subjective and a figment of one's imagination, which I believe should not be deterred by instruction. I try my best not to deter students from taking up art projects at any level, even if they are only beginners. It is only through trial that a person understands her/his capabilities. The freedom to create is what forms the basis of my instruction in the vast and beautiful field of art. I am also the deputy principal of my current school and also the HOD of the arts department. I have strong leadership skills and organizational skills.