“The Arts Connect” Conference Continues:Part XXIIII – Andrea Peterson
October 26, 2009Keynote Speaker Andrea Peterson by Carol Trimble
Andrea Peterson
Oh, what a great celebration we had at The Arts Connect. Now, 2 weeks later, I’m still thinking of the connections I made with so many participants–seeing people I hadn’t seen in a while; viewing artwork on cell phones; hearing about ideas, students, and programs, and meeting new people.
I’m also still thinking about keynote by Andrea Peterson (2007 National Teacher of the Year), especially the stories she told about her students. I keep thinking about the boy who fixed the pencil sharpener (reminding me to notice and respect everyone’s individual way of contributing to our world) and the child who felt “like the National Student of the Year” (reminding me of the enormous impact teachers can have on a student’s view of his/her own life). All of us who teach have favorite–and equally moving–stories about our students.
Andrea Peterson’s keynote reminded me how powerful it can be to share those stories—amongst ourselves so we can acknowledge to each other the importance of the work that educators do—but also how important it is to share those stories with others who may not yet know the many ways that arts education can have a critical and transformative effect on students’ lives. I’m interested in hearing YOUR stories about YOUR students. Please send them to me at ctrimble@maineartsed.org .
me arts ed 
Is there a copy of her speech anywhere? I would like to use her language r.e. the lens through which our students learn.
Great question Carol! Yes, I have Andrea’s speech on tape. I am hoping to post it or parts of it so everyone has access.
I would also like a copy of her speech if possible.
Thanks!