Sarah Daly - Artist, Teacher, Researcher
Teaching Practice
My Teaching Philosophy
As an art educator, I value above all else a willingness to learn and a commitment to growth, both in my students and in myself. I believe that the art classroom should be a space where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking intersect, allowing students to develop not only their artistic skills but also their sense of identity, empathy, and agency.
Inclusion is at the heart of my teaching practice. I am deeply committed to creating a classroom environment that welcomes and supports students of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. This includes a conscious focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion and meaningful differentiation for students with disabilities.
My approach to teaching is shaped by my experience as Head of Art and Design at a summer camp for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, where I learned that true creativity flourishes when every learner feels seen, valued, and capable.
Beyond art, my background as a qualified EMT and as an instructor of first aid response skills with the Red Cross has instilled in me a strong sense of safety, structure, and responsibility. These values extend naturally into my classroom, where I prioritise physical and emotional safety as essential foundations for learning and experimentation.
For me, art education goes far beyond fine art. It’s about empowering students to see the world critically and to understand how creative expression can act as a form of activism and a catalyst for change. I want my students to leave the art room not only as better artists but as more compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged individuals, ready to use their creativity to make a difference.
