Professional Development Program
The Professional Development Program provides the Foundation’s Artist-Teachers with comprehensive training in the field of art education, preparing them to be effective teachers and supporting their long-term growth as educators.
In an effort to achieve this goal, the Professional Development Program provides various modes of professional support as outlined below.
Apprenticeship
Artist-Teachers are hired initially as assistants and mentored by experienced Lead teachers through hands-on training in our studio classrooms.
Workshops
Throughout the year our Artist-Teachers come together in large and small groups to learn new skills, find solutions to shared challenges, and work to gain a deeper understanding of their students. Workshops are taught by experts in the field of Art Education, the Foundation’s Art Education administrative staff, as well as many of the Artist-Teachers themselves through peer-led workshops.
Curriculum Development
Artist-Teachers are trained to develop curricula according to our program standards. Each term they submit curricula for review and receive feedback regarding the content and practical implementation of the lessons.
Becoming a Reflective Practitioner
Each week Artist-Teachers are asked to reflect upon their teaching experiences through written reflections. These written accounts of their classroom experiences allow them to celebrate accomplishments, pose questions about classroom challenges, and aid in developing their personal educational philosophies. Based upon these reflections, Artist-Teachers receive feedback and support from the Foundation’s Art Education administrative staff.
Observations and Coaching
Artist-Teachers are observed and reviewed on an annual basis. Observations are focused on supporting the Artist-Teachers and helping them refine their teaching practice. All newly promoted Lead Artist-Teachers are paired with a Peer Coach who counsels them throughout their first year.
Additional Leadership Roles
Opportunities for Artist-Teachers to develop their skills beyond the classroom are made available based on experience. Such roles include coordinating large-scale student exhibitions, acting as liaison between our Artist-Teachers and our community partners, and advising on the overall curriculum structure for the Foundation’s Art Education Program. These leadership roles are subject to change each year based on programmatic need.
Partnership Support
In addition to training our own staff, the Foundation also provides trainings, orientations, and workshops in collaboration with our community partners. These events allow our Artist-Teachers and the youth leaders with whom they work to share ideas, values, and skills as they form the bonds of partnership.
