Arts+ Teaching Artists and Musicians Gain Understanding in Professional Development Sessions

This year, Arts+ Teaching Artists and Musicians had the opportunity to participate in three professional development sessions. Because at Arts+, we know that we cannot provide outstanding and accessible arts education without continuing to learn and grow ourselves.

In Teaching with Trauma Informed Care, instructors learned how trauma can impact students in the classroom, both physiologically and emotionally. The session focused on what might be happening with a student outside of school, how that trauma can affect them in the classroom, and how teachers can adjust classroom processes to make students feel comfortable.

Teachers learned the Student First Model, which places the well-being and mental/emotional state of the student as the primary focus, and tips for implementing the model such as H.A.L.T., which encourages them to address a behavioral issue by asking if the student is hungry, angry, lonely, or tired before resorting to punishment.

“Understanding the barriers, life events, or home situations that students face beyond the classroom allows us to truly connect with a student, teaching them as the whole unique person they are rather than one of many,” says Director of Visual Art Programs Caroline Tippette.

Knowing where a student is coming from was also a key element to Practical Teaching Strategies for Students with Learning Needs, a session led by guest instructors from The Fletcher School.

“It was extremely enlightening for our faculty to participate in simulations covering dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD/ADD because it allowed them to have a better understanding of the students’ perspectives,” says Associate Director of Music Programs Kinsey Fournier. In private music lessons, teaching musicians focus not only on developing musical talent but building meaningful relationships. “Understanding a student’s perspective and learning more about their interests helps students make connections and learn new concepts,” says Fournier.

In a final session led by Director of Music Programs and Artistic Director of the Charlotte Youth Choir Wes Smith, instructors learned adaptive strategies to help teachers plan their classes. Smith shared how to break a variety of activities into short time blocks, plan for interruptions, and have a fun little something in your back pocket for when it’s needed, all of which he implements with the choir.

Thanks to this dedicated time spent on professional development, Arts+ teaching artists and musicians are more ready than ever to deliver outstanding and accessible arts education.