me arts ed

This week at Thomas College, Waterville

I am attending the 25th MLEI with about 60 middle level educators from all over the state of Maine. Most participants are here with a team and have a work plan for the week. The plans are challenging them to create something that will have a lasting impact on their schools and kids learning.

Jill Spencer and Chris Toy are the institutes planners and are also doing a marvelous job at facilitating the week. The participants are enthusiastic and are having fun learning.

Last night we had a session led by Mark Springer. Mark is a “master at developing classroom cultures that encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and achieve at high levels.” The group worked collaboratively to solve group challenges.

Bright Futures, the middle level report from the Maine Commission on Middle Level Education was rolled out today by Jill and an exercise was done focusing on the Core Practices.

All week there are sessions by top notch consultants from around the country and Maine who are presenting on important middle level ideas.

Not only am I learning but I get to see old friends and meet new middle level educators. I am leading three sessions: digital photography, blogging and bookmaking.

Last week in Northport at Point Lookout

It was great to have the National State Teacher of the Year Conference last week in Maine for the first time. Teachers came from all over the US and enjoyed three days of touring the state.

At the end of the week they had their conference in the school at Point Lookout. I joined them to do a session on Digital Photography using the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. In this post are a couple of the photos participants took. It was a great opportunity to share information about the MLTI work.

I was so impressed with how interested they were in education in Maine.

Great arts ed podcasts at Arts Edge site

I can not begin to tell you what a terrific site this is for podcasts. The Kennedy Center Arts Edge site has an enormous collection of audio and video podcasts. You can access them by clicking here. I suggest you take a few minutes and see if there are any you can use in your classroom or just for your own pleasure.

The topics vary and some even have teacher resources that you can download as well. Check them out and let us know your favorites. They are actually located on the ArtsEdge iTunes home page.