Local and nationally recognized teaching artists present engaging, participatory workshops that model strategies for integrating the arts into classroom curriculum. These hands-on sessions provide opportunities to explore new techniques, gain inspiration, and network with teachers from other schools. Advance registration is required, and includes workshop materials and refreshments.


THE BIG READ:  Orientation and Resources for Educators
Facilitators:  Anjie Nowell, Juanita K. Hammons Hall and Terry Bond, Springfield Public Schools (ret.)
October 16, 2008
Thursday, 4:00-5:00 pm
For teachers of grades 6-12

This school year, Juanita K. Hammons Hall is excited to take part in The Big Read – an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. Our local Big Read project focuses on Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird and includes diverse programming through a variety of community organizations. Join us for this FREE session to learn about the many events taking place in the community, and receive a comprehensive teacher’s guide and other resources to help bring The Big Read into your classroom.


TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD:  Engaging Students in Courageous Conversations on Race and Social Justice
Workshop leader:  Carol North, Metro Theatre Company
November 12, 2008
Wednesday, 4:30-7:30 pm
For teachers of grades 6-12

Carol North, educator and artistic director of Metro Theater Company, returns to Hammons Hall with another lively, hands-on workshop for teachers. Educators will acquire learning tools to engage students in meaningful dialogue on the difficult topics of race and social justice as they relate to Harper Lee’s novel (and the dramatic adaptation by Christopher Sergel). The story is set in the 1930s, but the issues of injustice it raises still echo in our own communities. Through role play and reflection, the workshop focuses on character motivation, empathy, and the role each of us can play as agents of social change in our own communities. Participants will leave the workshop with practical instructional strategies and ideas for immediate application in the classroom.

 

TEACHING ARTIST PROJECT (TAP)
Workshop leader:  Deborah Fisher, Missouri Alliance for Arts Education
November 21, 2008
Friday, 9:00 am-3:30 pm (includes lunch)
For teachers of grades K-12, and teaching artists

This hands-on seminar focuses on arts integration, inviting teachers and teaching artists to work together to develop performance-based arts learning activities and assessments aligned to Grade-Level Expectations and local curriculum. Classroom teachers can “TAP into the Arts” to enhance student learning in communication arts, social studies, science or math, while fine arts teachers can “TAP into the Arts” to strengthen existing arts programs in their schools. Participants will leave the seminar with a lesson or unit plan, and information about how to apply for a Missouri Arts Council grant to bring teaching artists into classrooms. Facilitator Deb Fisher is Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, a member of the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network.

This TAP seminar is being offered FREE to educators and teaching artists, thanks in part to a grant from the Missouri Arts Council.  TAP will reimburse school districts for the cost of substitute teachers so that staff may participate in the full-day seminar, but space is limited – reserve your spot today!

 

HONORING THE INNER SELF: Using Creative Writing to Improve Writing Skills
Workshop leader:  Susan Clymer, Kansas City Young Audiences
March 12, 2009
Thursday, 4:30-7:30 pm
For teachers of grades 3-8

Writing, to be successful, comes from one’s experiences. “You must write about what you care about, what you love, what touches your heart, what concerns you… even what scares you and makes you angry,” advises teaching artist Susan Clymer. This active, participatory session presents successful techniques for writing fiction and narrative non-fiction, with a goal of helping teachers create classroom environments that honor risk-taking on an inner, personal level. Techniques for motivating students will be explored along with ideas that continue to challenge young writers. Workshop leader and author Susan Clymer has published 11 fiction works for children, and serves as a visiting author in schools through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Artists in Education program.