As an educator, I aim to cultivate a classroom culture that allows for reciprocal exchange. The roles of student and teacher are interchangeable as we all learn from one another. We each bring unique experiences and wisdom to the classroom. It is difficult to break the oppressive structures that make up the American education system, but we can aim to infiltrate and deconstruct these systems in the ways we build deeper relationships, cultivate environments of compassion and critical dialog, showing up as our authentic selves, and teach content with intention. My intention is liberation through art education.