Burnt Island
Two opportunities for professional development taking place this summer on Burnt Island, read the details below. If you have questions please contact FMI contact Elaine Jones at Elaine.Jones@maine.gov.
Archive for the ‘Professional Development’ Category
Visual Literacy Through Gouache
May 29, 2019State Teachers of the Year
May 28, 201957 Teaches Recognized
National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson
On April 29th, the White House and the U.S. Department of Education welcomed the State Teachers of the Year at the annual National Teacher of the Year Ceremony. National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson is a social studies and history teacher at a juvenile detention center in Richmond, Virginia. Robinson was inspired to teach by his mother, who went to a segregated school and couldn’t afford to complete her education. This event, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), celebrates 57 teachers from the continental United States as well as its territories.
The CCSSO said of Robinson in a statement:
“He creates a positive school culture by empowering his students — many of whom have experienced trauma — to become civically minded social advocates who use their skills and voices to affect physical and policy changes at their school and in their communities.”
The 2019 Maine Teacher of the Year was among those educators being honored as well. Joseph Hennessey who teaches English at Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford represents Maine this year and kindly provided the following description of his experience in D.C. In addition Joe provided the photographs that are embedded.
“From April 28th through May 3rd, I was fortunate to attend the Council of Chief State School Officers’ (CCSSO) Washington Week. During the five day program, I, along with the other 56 members of the Teacher of the Year cohort, was able to meet with Congressional representatives on Capitol Hill, participate in educational policy focus groups and professional development, attend formal receptions at the White House and Vice President’s Residence, and tour a number of the landmarks scattered throughout the city. It was a week of firsts for me as I had never been to our nation’s capital before. My initial impression, sure to be one of many as I continue to ponder, is a reflection upon the enormous ideological and political scale assigned by time and circumstance to a medium sized, coastal American city.
The governmental institutions and their physical structures were awe-inspiring, and the reality is that many of our fellow citizens and neighbors will not have an opportunity to visit them, let alone be formally received. Thus, I felt it my duty to appreciate the enormity of it all. The pillars, pedestals, pediments, and windows are intended to overwhelm the senses– as if the ideas which the buildings house transcend the individual’s intellectual repertoire, skill set, or influence. What is more, those who designed these buildings– in effect, temples to democracy, to capitalism, to individualism– did so with an eye supposedly averse to the imperial aesthetic. And yet, from the giant obelisk at the center of the political complex, to the colossi which populate the monuments, it is clear that there is great homage being paid to Greece, Rome, and monarchical/imperial Europe. I found these buildings and places to be interesting counterpoints as we educators were in town to contemplate the various pathways which we had already walked in the interest of identity, equity, and pluralism staunchly opposed to such trappings of the “Old World.” As I share my experiences with colleagues and students, I am eager to see how my perspective will evolve on this front.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Also during our week in the center of America’s political sphere, I was by turns inspired and humbled to visit the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). In addition to viewing keystones of their art and cultural collections, I was fortunate enough to attend lectures by several prominent figures from throughout the Smithsonian Institution who gave me context for what I was able to glean. These structures and their collections were massive like the United States Supreme Court and United States Capitol Building, but their scale represented an even more crucial component of the complicated historical discourse which America continues to have with its various cultures. These
United States Supreme Court
museums are intellectual achievements which seek to further educate our population about our tremendous, invaluable diversity; as a person of comparative privilege, it was important for me to listen attentively to what was being said and to internalize what I was being shown. It also, subsequently, reaffirmed the role of the educator to me– which is to bring the interconnected world into the frame of reference of all young people, not to the exclusion, subversion, or exception of academic skills. Education is indeed the path to self betterment and community betterment– when I use the materials and resources which the Smithsonian provides at no charge to all Americans, it will be with a new gravity which I was unfamiliar with before despite having used the resources in years past.
United States Capitol Building
In sum, my time in Washington was spent celebrating education, reflecting upon our roles as individual people and as part of interconnected cultures, and reaffirming the greater socioeconomic imperative of public education– to provide the essential public service. Each of the structures and institutions which I encountered was staffed by Americans from far and wide, including Maine, who were both adamant in their beliefs and fallible as we all are. So, while we must appreciate the scale and grandeur of what America has accomplished thus far in art, architecture, and philosophy, and politics, we must also be vigilant as public servants and individual citizens to continue to support our institutions, structures, and neighbors at the individual, interpersonal level.
What a wonderful, important week that it was…”
Storytelling and Innovation
May 19, 2019Southern Maine Partnership
The annual conference sponsored by USM and the the Southern Maine Partnership, Assessment for Learning & Leading was outstanding. These year’s theme was Brain-Based Strategies to Cultivate Positive Learning Environments. Conference planners Jeff Beaudry and Anita Stewart McCafferty did an amazing job planning two days of
Jen Etter
keynotes and sessions that left participants excited and filled with information to use in their classrooms and school districts. The featured keynote speaker was Dr. Marcia Tate whose work parallels much of the teaching and learning that takes place every day in visual and performing arts education.
Arts education played an important part of the conference as it has each of the past three years. Presenting at the conference were Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI)
Shawna Barnes
Teacher Leader York Middle School Music Educator Jen Etter and MALI Teaching Artist Leader Shawna Barnes. Their session was titled Brain-Based Strategies – Gateways to Creativity, Growth and Recovery. Jen provided information on strategies used in the music classroom that align with the brain research. Shawna offered information the role of the arts has in responding to disabilities and injuries. Each of them used examples from their work as teachers in the different settings.
I had a chance to with Lindsay Pinchbeck and offer a workshop called Storytelling and Innovation – an exploration in arts integration. If you click on the image on the right it will be larger and you can read our agenda.
The participants were thoughtful and willing to share – opening their thinking and ideas. During part of the session participants had a chance to try Express-a-Book which is an idea created by Falmouth High School music educator Jake Sturtevant, Lindsay Pinchbeck and myself. It’s our answer to traditional book clubs. An opportunity to dive into a resource like a book, TED Talk or a pod cast and instead of only ‘talking’ about it, participants create a response using an art form and share the art with the group. We created it as part of the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) and have tried it with people around the world through our work with HundrED. Express-a-Book is part of Jeff and Anita’s recently published book Teaching Strategies That Create Assessment-Literate Learners.
Participants used the Hundred site or a segment of The Innovators Mindset by George Couros, Mindset by Carol Dweck or If I Understood You Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda. Afterwards they shared their take-aways from these resources so they could help build on everyone’s knowledge. I highly recommend all four resources for independent or collaborative reading with colleagues.
The most fun part of the session was at the beginning when participants used “story starters” and created a dragon together – a technique that we learned from MALI Teaching Artist Leader Nicole Cardano who is the founder of Theater Today.
We provided numerous research reports, articles and links to a variety of resources that participants could follow up with if they wish to learn more on arts integration, innovation, mindset, storytelling and many more topics that are centered on good teaching and learning.
We completed the session by participants providing a “one word poem” – growth, environment, open-minded, transformative, opportunities, engaged, non-linear, and global.
Lindsay and Argy
For those of you who don’t know Lindsay, her bio is below. If you’re interested in purchasing Jeff and Anita’s book please contact them at jeffrey.beaudry@maine.edu and anita.stewart@maine.edu
Lindsay’s Bio – Originally from Scotland Lindsay Pinchbeck came to Maine for her undergraduate degree. Lindsay has been teaching with and through the arts in a variety of settings for the past 20 years. Lindsay is the director and founder of Sweet Tree Arts and Sweetland School, a community organization in Hope, ME offering a K-6 arts Integrated, Reggio Emilia inspired school. Pinchbeck received her Masters in Education through Lesley University’s Creative Arts and Learning program. Lindsay believes the creative arts should be accessible to all. She encourages everyone to be active participants and keen observers with the hope of enriching communities through the arts. Learn more at sweettreearts.org.
Artist Social
May 12, 2019Ibiyinka Alao
On Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Steel House in Rockland there will be an Artist Social. The evening features Ibiyinka Alao, the Art Ambassador to the United Nations. Join Ibiyinka to share your creative work and engage in lively conversation!
The Artists Social is FREE to attend
Open to all creative minds
RSVP required to hannah.wells95@gmail.com
- After a brief intro by Ibiyinka Alao stay for our Artist Social creative community pot luck
- Please bring an appetizer, dessert or beverage to share if you will be joining the gathering
Click on the image to read the details.
Teaching Artist Professional Development Workshop
April 23, 2019Space limited
The Arts Commission is providing a one-day professional development workshop for Maine Teaching Artists.
Monday 17 June 2019
8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Only 20 spots available – REGISTER TODAY
Viles Mansion/Governor Samuel Cony House, 71 Stone Street, Augusta.
$25.00. Registration is required.
PurposeThe workshop is focused on the role and benefits of a teaching artist. We will address how to structure and market a residency as well as tips for communicating and collaborating teachers, administrators, and community arts representatives. The workshop will include resources and techniques on applying your expertise as an artist to the structure of your work as a teaching artist including communication tips, connecting standards and assessments in your lessons, promotional information, funding opportunities, messaging and much more.
Outcomes- Information on applying your expertise as an artist to the structuring of your lessons and residencies.
- Hands-on experience in relating the learning standards and assessments to your work.
- Participation in sessions that are planned to fit your specific needs as a teaching artist.
- Promoting yourself and your work as a teaching artist
Workshop Presenters- Tom Luther – Teaching Artist, Musician, Maine Arts Leadership Initiative Teaching Artist Leader
- Lindsay Pinchbeck – Arts Educator, Founder and Director Sweetland School, Hope
- Kate Smith – Elementary music educator, Central School, South Berwick
Please note: To be eligible to apply for the Maine Arts Commission Teaching Artist Roster teaching artists must attend the one-day workshop.
Assessment for Learning & Leading
April 16, 2019Brain-Based Strategies to Cultivate Positive Learning Environments
USM and Southern Maine Partnership present their annual Assessment for Learning & Leading Conference, May 6-7, Portland campus in Abromson Hall. This year’s theme is Brain-Based Strategies to Cultivate Positive Learning Environments. Featured keynoter and presenter is the brilliant and exuberant Dr. Marcia Tate.
REGISTRATION
In addition to daily keynotes and breakout sessions by best-selling author Dr. Tate, dozens of Maine educators will be presenting!
Dr. Marcia Tate
These educators come from a variety of schools, districts, higher ed institutions, and statewide educational organizations and represent a host of roles (e.g., k-12 teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, central office administrators, higher ed faculty from undergraduate and graduate programs, professional development specialists, content specialists from the DOE, researchers, etc.) from a variety of content areas (e.g., social studies, literacy, math, visual and performing arts, science, leadership, teacher education, etc.).
Please see the Conference Draft Program for specific session information.
Session Topics include:
- Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies that Engage the Brain
- Formative Assessment in the Brain-Compatible Classroom: How Do We Really Know They’re Learning
- Leading the Change Process
- Characteristics of a Brain-Compatible Classroom
- Brain-based Strategies – Gateways to Creativity, Growth and Recovery
- Pulling Tricks from Your Hattie
- Making Meaning in History Using Primary Sources
- Sit & Get Won’t Grow Dendrites: 20 Professional Learning Strategies that Engage the Adult Brain
- Storytelling and Innovation – An Exploration in Arts Integration
- All Aboard!! Experience The Power of Field Trips at the Osher Map Library
- Student Involvement & Student Voice
- Authentic Assessment: Products and Performances for Student Success
- Assessment Literacy Leadership & Processes for Successful Implementation
- Sketchnoting & Visual Learning Strategies
- Develop Surveys To Get The Data You Want
- Escape This! Breakout Challenges in the STEM Classroom
- Shouting Won’t Grow Dendrites: 5 Ways to Detour Around the Danger Zones
- What Questions Do You Have? Inquiry in the Social Studies Classroom
- Using Visualization and Infographics to Tell Your Story
- Balancing Formative and Summative Assessment in High School Math Classroom – The Synergy of Feedback, Self-assessment and Goal Setting
This is going to be an incredible two days of learning! You and your team do not want to miss this unique learning opportunity in beautiful Portland, ME!
Register at:
https://conferences.usm.maine.edu/attendeeonline/AutoLogin.aspx?page=new&event=2856&password=event
Jeff Beaudry & Anita Stewart McCafferty
Cost: $225 for full conference, including materials, lunches, and snacks; $125 for 1 day; $200/person for full conference for teams of 5+
Co-directors of the Southern Maine Partnership and responsible for the conference are Drs. Anita Stewart McCafferty, Assistant Professor, Department Chair and Jeff Beaudry, Associate Professor, both in the School of Education and Human Development, Educational Leadership Program.
Tides Institute
April 15, 2019Visual Thinking Strategies workshop
The Tides Institute & Museum of Art (TIMA) in Eastport, Maine is delighted to announce a free professional development opportunity for visual art teachers and other educators on Saturday, April 27 from 9 am to 3 p.m. Sara Egan, School and Youth Programs Manager from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, will be leading the workshop at the Tides Institute & Museum of Art in Eastport.
Thanks to generous support from three private foundations, this workshop is free of charge to participating educators. Contact hours will be provided. The workshop will cover the basics of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), which will be an introduction or quick review for those familiar with the educational approach.
Siri Beckman, “Machias Cod”, wood engraving, 2010. From the collection of the Tides Institute & Museum of Art, Eastport.
Teachers will discuss and share ideas about ways to use the recently-published TIMA poster set in classroom settings, including using VTS. Teachers will also learn about ways to partner with the Tides Institute to extend classroom studies on the region’s art and culture, both historical and contemporary, and support student centered learning. Teachers will also learn about outreach opportunities available through the StudioWorks Artist-in-Residence Program.
Lunch will be provided, and limited lodging is available for the night before the workshop for those traveling more than 60 miles (one-way) to Eastport. We have workshop space to accommodate up to 25 educators from Washington County for this workshop, but will consider registrations from other counties in Maine and New Brunswick if space allows.
To register, or for more information, please contact Kristin McKinlay, Director of Exhibitions & Education, kmckinlay@tidesinstitute.org, or call (207) 853-4047.
Teach to Lead
April 6, 2019Great opportunity to develop ideas with your team
Many of the Maine Arts Education blog readers remember that the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) started as the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI) back in 2010. In 2014 a team made up of MAAI teacher leaders and leadership team
Maine MALI team, bottom left
members were invited to attend a Teach to Lead Summit in Washington, D.C. It was an AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!! The team realized that the name of the initiative wasn’t reflecting the future work of MAAI. A focus on LEADERSHIP was clear so the members of MAAI decided to change the name to the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative. Like everything we’ve done in the 8 years that the initiative has been in place it was a careful decision. It proved to be the best thing for MALI. We know that in many school districts across Maine and across the country that arts educators are leaders. They are looked to for their many skills – collaboration, problem-solving, curriculum integration, student-center learning and so much more that takes place in arts education classrooms everyday. Why wouldn’t visual and performing arts educators be asked to contribute their expertise to help move schools and school districts forward?!!
You have a chance to lead your colleagues and community to a Teach to Lead Summit. Do you have an idea that takes some intense planning and time with your colleagues? Do you want to take action around something that is needed in your school? If so, I urge you to consider taking a trip west to the next Teach to Lead Summit taking place on September 19-21, 2019 in Salt Lake City, UT. The information is below – take a look – see if you’re a good match. If you have any questions please email me at argy.nestor@maine.gov.
Whole Child, Whole Teacher Summit
September 19-21, 2019
Salt Lake City, UT
Calling all educators! Submit an idea for our next Teacher Leadership Summit!
Teach to Lead supports teachers as valued experts in instruction and students’ needs. Teach to Lead summits provide teams with time to collaborate, skills development, and professional consultation to incubate innovative ideas that can make a positive impact for students in their schools, communities, districts and states.
This topical summit will bring teacher leaders and other stakeholders together to address the needs of the Whole Child and Whole Teacher in an effort to transition from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long-term development and success of all children, as well as the well-being of all teachers.
Each idea should reflect a need that addresses students’ and/or teachers’ health, safety, learning, support in and out of school, and access to engaging and challenging opportunities. Examples of project topic ideas might include:
- Healthy: homelessness, hunger, student and teacher well-being and mental health
- Safe: school safety, bullying and harassment
- Engaged: cultural diversity, student identity, school culture and climate, professional networking
- Supported: supports for a diverse teacher workforce, coaching and peer mentoring, adult-student relationships, community partnerships, language services and supports
- Challenged: access to challenging coursework or professional development, access to extracurricular opportunities, etc.
How do participants benefit from the Summit?
Develop a local idea for change into a complete plan- Obtain the support of a dedicated “critical friend” from a supporting organization to advance your work
- Build relationships with ASCD, Teach Plus, the United States Department of Education, and national supporting organizations
- Be provided with free registration and hotel accommodations for two nights or parking ( hotel will be provided free of charge for teams traveling more than 50 miles; parking will be provided for teams traveling 50 miles or fewer to the summit).
Who may submit an idea application?
- Any teacher leader with an actionable idea is encouraged to apply here (or cut and paste into your browser) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TTLSLC19 by 11:59 pm ET on May 17, 2019 . Accepted ideas will be notified the week of June 10th.
- Teams must have 3-5 members and must be led by one current teacher. Other key stakeholders (e.g. parent, student, community members, school and government officials) are encouraged.
All submitted ideas must:
Encourage teachers to lead from the classroom.- Promote collaborative work among multiple stakeholders.
- Identify an area in need of innovation or a specific problem with an eye towards actionable solutions.
- Be viable in the local context and sustainable over time.
All submitted ideas may:
- Be functioning at any stage of development – an emerging idea requiring input and buy-in to something that has been implemented which is ripe for improvement or expansion.
- Focus on any level of change – school, district, or state.
Please contact info@teachtolead.org for additional information or questions.
Learning and Leading Conference
April 1, 2019Southern Maine Partnership
4th annual Assessment for Learning & Leading Conference 2019: Brain-Based Strategies to Cultivate Positive Learning Environments. May 6-7, 2019, Abromson Hall, USM, Portland. REGISTRATION!
Lincoln Center Education
March 31, 2019Summer Forum 2019
Summer Forum is the flagship professional development program created by Lincoln Center Education (LCE). Each July, artists, teachers, administrators, and other education professionals meet in the cultural heart of New York City for hands-on workshops led by renowned Teaching Artists, keynote presentations by leaders in the field, inspiring performances, and rich discussions with colleagues from around the world.
Outside the classroom, Summer Forum participants enjoy a range of opportunities across Lincoln Center’s iconic Upper West Side campus and beyond, with easy access to indoor and outdoor performances happening nearly every day of the week.
July 8 – 26, 2019
Don’t delay! Receive an early-bird discount of 15% when you register for the 2-, 3-, or 5-day labs by May 3.
Questions? E-mail summerforum@lincolncenter.org. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
me arts ed 