I believe that art is important because it encourages creative, divergent, and original ways of thinking.  It helps one to express their views, emotions, feelings, interests, etc. in a beautiful way.  I want to encourage my students to think highly of themselves and their artwork.  Art is not successful because it looks life-like or realistic.  I believe art is successful when it reflects the artist's/student's personality and hard work.  Art is a subject in which to teach important themes such as diversity, tolerance, acceptance, self-worth, and many other important virtues of life. I have worked with a diverse range of students and from this I have learned how to meet and accommodate to diverse learning needs.