As promised a few posts ago, here is the link for the Teaching Artist Institute, which is a professional development program for professional artists who perform and conduct workshops in Maryland schools.
Their goals: "The goal is to build the capacity of artists in our community to contribute to student learning in and through the arts. Each year, TAI provides over 50 hours of training and networking to 20 artists. Artists experience:
A three-day retreat in January, followed up by monthly one-day trainings in February, March and April.
One-on-one coaching from master teaching artists working within their discipline and a curriculum specialist.
Opportunities to meet in small affinity groups with other artists.
Opportunities to field-test their work in a classroom with institute staff, peer artists and teachers observing and providing feedback.
Opportunities to network with educators who are interested in bringing artists into their schools.
If you're not sure you fit into this catagory, get in touch with Young Audiences, Arts for Learning, Maryland, website is www.yamd.org, and see how you can become involved in their programs to gain experience before entering the Institute.
IF YOU DON'T LIVE IN MARYLAND: Great news! Young Audiences is a national organization so if there's an office where you live you, too, can be part of their programs.
Check out the map on their website: Young Audiences National Map
I can't stress enough how important it is, as artists (and writers are included in that category!) to offer our time, talent, and energy to children of all ages in our schools. Studies show that learning in the arts contributes to the development of academic skills, including reading, language development and mathematics. Arts learning experiences contribute to the development of fundamental thinking, social and motivational skills that are basic for success in school, life and work. These thinking or cognitive skills associated with studying the arts include reasoning ability, intuition, perception, imagination, inventiveness, creativity, problem-solving skills and expression. Other perks: raises self-esteem, self-respect, confidence, self-empowerment, respect for others, teamwork...I could go on.
It really is a good thing and I guarantee you will have the time of your life working with the kids!
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