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 our Partners In Education Program.

Many of the artists teach in the program through collaborative relationships with the Anchorage Museum, Alaska State Council on the Arts, Alaska Native Arts Foundation, resident company bookings, and the Kennedy Center Presenter's Network. These artists create a series of 5 to 6 in-depth, multi-sectioned workshops for which teachers receive continuing education credit from the University of Alaska Anchorage. (Teachers in ASD’s Gifted and Talented Program may also use these workshops for credit in their specialized field.)

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. Teachers learn to assess their works and that of their fellow teachers. 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 science, history, math and language arts.

Performance Lectures are 30-minute introductions given to teachers prior to some 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.

Course study is designed by the partnership team consisting of Julie Millington, Vice President of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and Susan Joling, Liaison from the Highly Gifted Program of the Anchorage School District. The team participates in annual meetings at the Kennedy Center which provides models and planning strategies to expand professional development in the Arts.

A participating teacher Maria Gantz shares…

This PIE workshop was yet another inspiring experience. It gave me new ideas about how to nurture creativity in students and provided practical tools to help students with their artistic expression. I discovered simple and fun activities that develop healthy habits for mind and body and stimulate students' smartness and success. I am going to share this wealth with other teachers in many schools.

Registration for the 2011-12 Partners in Education program will take place in September 29, 2011 through the Anchorage School District's MY LEARNING PLAN. Exciting plans are underway for this year's program which will include collaborations with the Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, Anchorage Museum, Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, Alaska Native Arts Foundation, and performers from the Anchorage Concert Association's prestigious roster.

Sign up for this unique course and learn how to incorporate the arts into your content area. Be inspired by local and visiting artists to engage and motivate your students. Immerse yourself in the arts this year. Receive one continuing education credit through UAA at a cost of $150. This course may be used for a gifted credit. To reserve a spot, email Susan Joling at joling_susan@asdk12.org. MyLearningPlan sign-up available soon. Only 35 spots!

Workshops With Professional Artists

• Course Registration (as of 09/29/11 class is FULL)
  Voth Hall, ACPA - Thursday 9/29 at 4:30-5:00 pm
• Embodying Your Curriculum with Leslie Kimiko Ward
  Voth Hall, ACPA - Thursday 9/29 at 5:00-7:30 pm
  Incorporating movement for students to more fully access classroom content
• Music: Making a Difference with Gabrielle Willis (3 sessions)
  Hiland Correctional inmates share how music affects their social & emotional well-being
  • Workshop with Gabrielle & Hiland Prison Staff
    Bartlett High School - Tuesday 10/25 at 5:00-7:00 pm
  • Concert at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center - Saturday 12/3 at 1:30-3:00 pm
  • Q & A with Hiland Orchestra
    Hiland Correctional Center - Saturday 1/7 at 3:00-4:00 pm
    
• Grapes of Wrath Dress Rehearsal
  Enjoy the opera version & hear Artistic Director Tory Allen speak
  Atwood Concert Hall, ACPA - Thursday 11/3 at 7:00-9:00 pm
• "Out of This World" with Jose Francisco Salgado (2 sessions)
  Astronomer/Visual Artist, Dr. Salgado, communicates science through art
  • Workshop with Dr. Salgado
    Voth Hall, ACPA - Tuesday 1/24 at 5:00-8:00 pm
  • "Out of This World" Anchorage Symphony Concert
    Reception with Dr. Salgado following
    Atwood Concert Hall , ACPA - Sunday 1/29 at 3:00-4:30 pm
• A Portal To Native Context, Perry Eaton & Alvin Amason
  Local Native artists discuss the context & the spirit of their work
  Private Studio - Thursday 3/22 at 4:45-8:00 pm
• Movement Through Math with Marcia Daft
  National workshop leader integrates music & movement with number sense
  Voth Hall, ACPA - Saturday 4/14 at 9:00 am-3:00 pm