Subway in New York
Whether it is morning, noon or night when you are at this blog post take the time to … stop, breathe deeply, and watch this one minute and 2 seconds video of a man singing in the subway in New York City.
When we wake each morning we never know what will come our way when we get to school. Certainly there are situations that are out of our control. Some of them make us uncomfortable, challenge us, and provide the opportunity to grow. Sometimes they bring us a smile and even make us laugh uncontrollably. The one thing we do get to control is our attitude; how we wish to be and to respond to whatever students, parents, and colleagues say and whatever may happen. That’s why I say “make it a great day”. What will your attitude be today?
‘I Didn’t Come This Far To Only Come This Far’ – borrowed from a quote Tom Brady found. (Background discussion on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), Resiliency, Determination and how Tom Brady never gives up)
So what does ONLY MEAN?
If you have helped someone to be brave, to find courage to make a mistake or fail… and to learn from it please stand.
If you have guided someone to express themselves in a non-verbal form please stand. If you have helped someone to visit or experience a college campus please stand.
Holly, Jodi, Pam, Sheila, Chris, Jeff, Charlie, Lisa, Maryann, Marilyn, Catherine, Argy, Heidi, Deb, Carolyn, Aimee, Shalimar, Sandy, Nancy, Stephanie, Tim, George, Margaret, and Kay are only a few members and former members that I have to thank for sharing something with me that has advanced my personal profession. There are many, many more, and I apologize for not including the entire list.
Nominate a peer today. Ask me for help. Deadline is December 31 ….start Monday. Help others to appreciate what it is to be ONLY an “Art Teacher”.
Augusta, ME—The Maine Arts Commission is pleased to announce that online registration is now open for all Maine high schools to participate quickly and easily in Poetry Out Loud 2016-2017, a national competition organized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation and administered at the state level by the Arts Commission. The deadline for registration at 
Viles Arboretum held another successful sculpture symposium. Sculptor Anne Alexander worked with classes of students throughout the symposium. The other participating sculptors answered viewers questions as they worked away at their individual creations.
During the summer of 2016 the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative took a team of five to the Teach to Lead Summit in Washington, D.C. for a marvelous learning opportunity. The team focused on where we had been, where we were, and devised a slightly different direction that clarified our mission. It was the time that we transformed from being the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative to the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative.
The Inclusion, Equity, and Opportunity Summit will bring teacher leaders and other stakeholders together to incubate their ideas for combating inequity and fighting for social justice on behalf of students. Students and educators across the country face unique challenges based on their race/ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual identity, gender, or religion. Ideas will leverage teacher leadership to address equity for our highest-needs students and schools. Teams will be provided support to create an action plan for their ideas, and build relationships with organizations that can further their work.
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