The Art of Teaching Art

Teaching art is such a basic part of learning, I doubt it really can be taught. Technique and process can be taught, but really teaching art is just letting it happen and trying one's hand at expression. Small children are not intimidated by the challenge of something they've never done before. As we mature, we develop a fear of failure or incorrectness in our artistic efforts. There are disciplines to learn so one has those tools available (such as drawing shadow, proportion, vanishing point, material limitations, etc.), but once a person has the basics, the rest is critique, encouragement and opinion. As a substitute teacher and sometimes art teacher, I strive to encourage originality and not "teach" my interpretation of art. Is that the way you want it? Have I seen that before?