Center blog | Partners in education | Ushering in the arts

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In 1991, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and the Anchorage School District were chosen to participate in the first Partners in Education institute at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Since then, Anchorage-area teachers from all grade levels have been attending performances, lectures and participatory workshops as part of the Partners In Edcuation Program. Artists secured through resident company bookings, from the Kennedy Center Presenter's Network and local teachers create a series of 10 to 14 workshops for which teachers receive graded graduate credit through Alaska Pacific University.

Participatory workshops provide teachers with hands-on experience in two ways: by exploring the concepts and processes of a particular art form; and/or examining the interrelationship between an art form and other curriculum areas. Workshops that explore an art form provide teachers with classroom tools to encourage students in creative expression through activities such as movement and role-playing. Students learn to assess their works and that of their fellow students. Workshops that examine the relationship between an art form and other curriculum areas bridge the connection between the art form and specific curriculum areas such as history, math and language arts.

Performance Lectures are 30-minute introductions given to teachers prior to performances. Lectures are presented by an expert on the art form and often times the composers and choreographers make guest appearances and make brief statements about the motivational aspects leading to the creation. The art form is described and history is provided. Plans for schedules include collaborative initiatives with the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Kennedy Center, resident companies of the Center and local teaching artists.

Building Relationships with Kids Using the Arts 2009-2010 Schedule Date Time Location “How can teachers use student strengths to enhance learning?” with Mia Costello Monday 09/14/09 4:45 PM - 6:45 PM Voth Hall Lakota Sioux Dancers accompanied by the Anchorage Tribal Dancers Wednesday 11/04/09 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM Alaska Native Heritage Center Intertribal Gathering Saturday 11/07/09 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Alaska Native Heritage Center Movement with the Brain in Mind with Erika Crumley Tuesday 12/01/09 4:45 PM - 6:45 PM Voth Hall Building Critical Relationships using Poetry with Gwendolyn Faye Wednesday 01/06/10 4:45 PM - 6:45 PM Voth Hall Hip Hop Urban Dance with Leslie Kimiko Ward Saturday 01/30/10 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Fairview Elementary Building Character with Drama with Joshua Kane Wednesday 03/07/10 4:45 PM - 6:45 PM Discovery Stage Contact Julie Millington to confirm workshop space or to cancel at 263-2920. Merri Kae Vanderploeg is the Instructor of Record. All workshops are participatory – dress to move! Sharing sessions are mandatory.

program generously sponsored by
Alaska State Council on the Arts	Alaska Railroad Corporation	National Endowment for the Arts

For more information, email Programs Assistant at 907-263-2920.

Partners in Education Workshop Registration