Professional Development for SY 24-25
Inclusive Learning in the Arts (Foundational)
Monday, August 26th | Tuesday, August 27th | 9:00am-4:00pm
Boston Latin School
Monday, August 26th | Tuesday, August 27th | 9:00am-4:00pm
Boston Latin School
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This workshop fulfills BPS' 12-hour professional development requirement for SY 24-25 focused on specialized services, multilingual learner support, and the unpacking of the latest version of Universal Design for Learning (UDL 3.0)
Module 1: Introduction and District Framing Module 2: Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices in the Arts Module 3: Strategies for Teaching Multilingual Learners Module 4: Universal Design for Learning 3.0 Module 4: Universal Design for Learning 3.0 Module 5: Adaptations and Modifications for Students with Disabilities Module 6: Lesson Internalization Protocol Module 7: Final Project SY24-25 Professional Learning Educator Competencies High-Quality Instructional Material Implementation Universal Design for Learning and Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices Specially Designed Instruction Academic Language Access and Instruction Course Description This course addresses professional learning educator competencies through the lens of visual, performing, and media arts. Inclusive Education in the Boston Public Schools is rooted firmly in our Opportunity & Achievement Gap Policy where “every student, in every classroom, in every school… has the same opportunity to achieve the greatness within them as anybody else. Every child should have unfettered access to every conceivable tool to unlock the greatness with them.” In particular, we must confront, invest resources in, and change outcomes by disrupting practices that have resulted in the over-representation of Black and Brown students, and multilingual students in special education that have persisted for decades. This requires every school to cultivate a sense of belonging and center every student’s strengths, including their identity, disability, home language, and interests. All students must have access to challenging culturally and linguistically responsive grade-level texts and tasks across all subject areas and robust experiences inclusive of the arts, STEM, athletics, project-based learning, advanced coursework, and work-based learning opportunities. |
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Presenters from Boston Public Schools
Liz Loya, UDL Specialist and Visual Arts Educator at the Mildred Avenue K-8 School
Nancy Zimbalist, Arts Department Chair at Charlestown High School
Rene Dickhaut, Accelerated Improvement Inquiry Manager from the Office of Data and Accountability
Tony Beatrice, Executive Director for the Arts at the Boston Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts Department
Liz Loya, UDL Specialist and Visual Arts Educator at the Mildred Avenue K-8 School
Nancy Zimbalist, Arts Department Chair at Charlestown High School
Rene Dickhaut, Accelerated Improvement Inquiry Manager from the Office of Data and Accountability
Tony Beatrice, Executive Director for the Arts at the Boston Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts Department
BPS Arts Annual PD Day
Jan 2nd, 2024 | 8:00 AM-2:30 PM
Boston Latin School
Jan 2nd, 2024 | 8:00 AM-2:30 PM
Boston Latin School
This is the most magical day of professional development for BPS Visual and Performing Arts Educators! We are excited to welcome Anne Fennell (Music Program Manager, San Diego Unified K-12 District) as our keynote speaker for the day.
This is followed by morning and afternoon breakout workshops focusing on individual arts content areas of dance, media art, music, visual art, and theatre. To receive PDP's, educators will also read selected works and provide a reflection on how the PD has changed educator practice.
In-Person Schedule
8:00am-8:15am: Check-in and Coffee
8:15am-9:30am: Keynote
9:45am-12:00pm: Session A
12:10pm-12:45pm: Lunch Content Meetings
1:00pm-2:30pm: Session B
This is followed by morning and afternoon breakout workshops focusing on individual arts content areas of dance, media art, music, visual art, and theatre. To receive PDP's, educators will also read selected works and provide a reflection on how the PD has changed educator practice.
In-Person Schedule
8:00am-8:15am: Check-in and Coffee
8:15am-9:30am: Keynote
9:45am-12:00pm: Session A
12:10pm-12:45pm: Lunch Content Meetings
1:00pm-2:30pm: Session B
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Keynote address
Arts Ignite: A World of Creativity and Opportunity Anne Fennell, M. Ed. | Music Program Manager, San Diego Unified K-12 District Anne Fennell is the UTK-12 Music Program Manager for San Diego Unified School District in San Diego, CA Immediate Past President of the California Music Educators Association and Western Division President Elect for the National Association for Music Education. She holds a bachelor’s in music education, a master’s in educational leadership studies, Orff-Schulwerk certification Levels: I-II-III and over 90 graduate hours in music and additional education coursework. Her experiences include 6 years in administration and 32 years of teaching music education, including: music composition and steel drum ensembles in grades 9-12, Kindergarten-Grade 8 integrated arts and music through Orff-Schulwerk, and leading both vocal and instrumental ensembles in civic and professional performances, as well as national music conferences and the annual NAMM Board of Directors meetings in 2013 & 2016. Ms. Fennell is a published author through Savvas Learning Company (Pearson Education), the GRAMMY Foundation, The Percussion Marketing Council, and Disney’s Little/Baby Einsteins. She presents workshops and gives keynotes both nationally and internationally, including for the American Orff-Schulwerk Association and National Association for Music Education Conferences, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), China music education conferences (through the support of the International Music Products Industry (NAMM)), and the International Society for Music Education. She has received numerous state and national awards, including the top 10 GRAMMY Music Educator Finalist for 2016, and top 3 Music Educator award from Music and Arts in 2015, 2020 Technology in Music Education National Teacher of the Year, 2017 Magnet Schools of America National Teacher of the Year, and the 2024 Believe in Music Award from NAMM. |
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Breakout sessions
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Deep Sea Dwelling: Creation Stories, Wave Patterns & AI Music Making
Nettrice Gaskins, Ph.D. | Assistant Director of the STEAM Learning Lab, Lesley University Sue Cusack | Director of Education Centers and of the STEAM Learning Lab, Lesley University This workshop explores STEAM learning to explore Afrofuturism through electronic music, AI art, and storytelling, which is inspired by Drexciya, an electronic music duo that was based in Detroit, Michigan. Afrofuturism refers to creative works at the intersection of African American history and culture with the development of STEAM. Participants will learn how to make music using an AI music generator and create sound wave art, then use these artifacts to imagine their own creation mythologies. Dr. Nettrice R. Gaskins is an African American digital artist, academic, cultural critic and advocate of STEAM fields. In her work she explores "techno-vernacular creativity" and Afrofuturism. Dr. Gaskins teaches, writes, "fabs”, and makes art using algorithms and machine learning. Her first full-length book, Techno-Vernacular Creativity and Innovation is available through The MIT Press. She received a BFA in Computer Graphics from Pratt Institute, an MFA in Art & Technology from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a doctorate in Digital Media from Georgia Tech. Dr. Gaskins currently works at Lesley University in the Lesley STEAM Learning Lab. Sue Cusack is an Assistant Professor of Education at Lesley University and Director of the Education Centers and the Lesley STEAM Learning Lab. She led the design and implementation of two new educator licensure programs, the Digital Literacy and Computer Science and the Instructional Technology Specialist. Sue and her Lesley STEAM team provide a new way of knowing and meaning-making for Lesley students, PK-12 educators, and Out-of-School Time practitioners. This work is designed to support teaching and learning that is accessible, culturally responsive, and focused on learner-centered pedagogies. |
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Modern Band 101
Skye Hale | Senior Manager, Teacher & Learning, Music Will This hands-on course serves as an introduction to modern band and the Music as a Second Language® pedagogy. This course covers the basic core values of Music Will: how we teach music-making, improvisation, and composition by getting our students into a comfort zone using student-centered instruction, approximation, and scaffolding. Participants are introduced to the instruments of modern band: guitar, keyboard, drums, vocals, bass, and technology, and learn basic playing skills and pedagogy for each. Participants will also use their new musical skills to compose and perform an original song in a collaborative setting. If you can, please bring an acoustic guitar with you! Note: photography will be used during this session. Please let us know if you prefer not to appear in any images used for Music Will promotion Skye joined Music Will in 2016 as the Technology Education Manager after teaching in New York City public schools. While teaching in New York City public schools, Skye focused on combining instrumental performance with recording and digital music production skills. Her students learned to play guitar and keyboard and produced music using iPads and computers. As a teacher, Skye focused on cultivating a love of music in her students, and providing them with the skills necessary to continue to learn on their own. Skye’s YouTube channel (YouTube.com/SpencerCHale), which she initially built to support her students’ learning, now features over 500 videos and has grown to over 80,000 subscribers and more than 22 million views. Through her work with Music Will, Skye has presented on popular music education across the country and at a number of colleges and universities, including New York University, Brooklyn College, and Columbia. She conducted the NAfME All National Honors Ensemble in 2021 and the New York City All City Honors Ensemble in 2023. She co-authored the award winning Modern Band Method book series, and has created hundreds of curricular resources for teachers. Outside of her work with Music Will, Skye is a dedicated catmom, an avid skateboarder, and a songwriter. |
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Fibers Tour: Macramé, Crochet, and Embroidery
Verónica Ramírez Martell | Arts Instructor, Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts Jen Turpin (she/her/hers) | Arts Instructor, Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts Macramé is a fiber art that consists of knotting cords to create surfaces and volumes that can be solid or lacy, and everything in between. In this center, you will learn basic macramé knots—like lark's head, square knots, and double half hitch—to create a bracelet, keychain, or other small item of your own design. You can experiment with color, gauge, and beads to create your own unique piece. In this session artists will learn how to add design, dimension and texture to felt and cotton fabrics using several embroidery techniques that can be turned into a pouch, pillow, picture or patch. Participants will leave with an understanding of the tools and materials needed in the process, which techniques to use when working with fabrics, and tips as to how to how to safely teach this skill to a variety of age groups in a school setting. Stitches will include but are not limited to running, back, satin, chain, lazy daisy, couching and French knots. Verónica Ramírez Martell is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and problem-solver focused on arts access and education in the Greater Boston area. They are currently pursuing a Master’s in Library and Information at Simmons University, with an Information Science & Technology concentration, to weave together a decade of field experience in arts education & administration with technical skills web development, systems analysis, and database management. Currently, V is Director of Community Education at the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts in Jamaica Plain, where they’ve worked as a teacher, administrator, and a variety of roles since 2015 bringing art education to public schools and community centers within the Greater Boston area. Before this role, V served as Program Officer for Mass Cultural Council’s Community Initiative, supporting over 70 local cultural councils in Berkshire, Plymouth, and Worcester County through coaching, professional development, and capacity building. They champion creativity, documentation, and transparency as a method for community capacity-building. Verónica teaches both children and adults in a variety of topics and disciplines with a passion for encouraging enjoyment, confidence, and experimentation in students. Their artistic practice explores the tropical landscapes and flora of home, documents their personal journey, and celebrates the many tiny details that make up the world. Seeing creating as a crucial part of life, does not identify with a specific medium—they use a variety of media and focus on exploration, delight, and love. Jennifer is an intermodal artist who likes to focus on movement and story. A graduate from Lesley University, she studied expressive arts focusing on disability and aging. In her artistic practice she creates realistic embroidered portraits as well as expressive compositions using stone, watercolor or mixed media. As a teaching artist, Jen invites all artists to engage freely in the creative process and leave judgment and self-criticism at the door. When not creating art, Jennifer loves to create music, and spend time with her family. |
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Set and Prop Design
Kathleen Doyle | Drama Teacher, Otis Elementary In this two hour and fifteen minute workshop, participants will be supplied with all necessary materials to create their very own career-lasting scenic backdrop. We will use colorful acrylic felt to create a scenic screen that is flexible enough to be as tall as 8’ tall and 10’ wide. For those theater teachers with limited space, fear not! The scenic frame can be broken down and easy-to-store when not in use. Participants will learn how to make their own backdrop with minimal to no-sewing, but mainly hot glue. This backdrop could also be used as a puppet show curtain or even as students’ step-and-repeat screen, great for all grades from K-12. We will learn a bit about the myriad set design choices in professional and educational theater. Some of these will be inexpensive, relatively easy to assemble set and prop design options. If time permits, after building the backdrop, participants will have the opportunity to make a couple of props with a hot wire foam cutter and black foam core boards. These will be two-dimensional, easy-to-store theatrical props. With some gluing, cutting, a bit of stitching, we’ll build a solid foundation for set and prop design creativity that will serve BPS Theater Teacher participants for many years to come! Kathleen Doyle has been a BPS elementary school theater arts teacher for more than twenty years. She has taught children at The David Ellis in Roxbury, The Josiah Quincy in Chinatown and presently at The James Otis in East Boston. She is also a professional theater designer specializing in puppets and costumes. Kathleen Doyle is a theater designer whose work has been seen all across the country, from New York to California, from Alaska to Hawai’i and from Broadway to The West End. Kathleen's designs have been seen throughout New York City, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, La MaMa, H.E.R.E., New York City Center, The New Ohio, The Joyce Theater, The American Museum of Natural History and The New Victory Theater. Her crafted builds have been seen at Walt Disney World and The Santa Fe Opera and The Kennedy Center. Doyle’s puppets and puppet sketches have been exhibited in their own rights at art galleries in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Daegu, South Korea and New York City. Her work hangs in private and public art collections. Kathleen was a Fulbright Scholar to Japan, and again to China and Hong Kong and a International Goodwill Ambassador to Peru. She has been a collaborative resident artist at the Thang Long National Water Puppetry Theater in Hanoi, Vietnam and is supported by The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. She is a member of USA-Local 829, a recipient of the Theater Communications Global Initiatives Grant, The Puffin Foundation Public Arts in Environmental Activism Grant and a Labworks artist for New 42nd St. Studios/New Victory Theater. Kathleen Doyle is a proud member of USA Local-829, earned an M.A. in Dramaturgy from Villanova and an M.F.A. in Theater Design from N.Y.U. Tisch School of The Arts. www.kathleendoyledesign.com. |
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Salsa and Bachata
presented by Salsa Y Control Salsa y Control is ready to teach & dance with you, we look forward to having you and enjoying this beautiful Dance and Music!! Session will focus on Salsa & Bachata Partnering and Footwork Classes Level. We will also provide a little history and a list of age appropriate songs as well as answer teacher questions. Salsa y Control is one of the most beloved dance companies in Boston. At our Allston studio, we choreograph on1 salsa routines for multiple teams at a variety of levels, from beginner to professional. Since 2001 Johnny and Andres are Colombian-born brothers who bring their unique, intricate salsa footwork combinations to their duet performances. Since 2003, they have expanded their passion for choreography to partner teams. |
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Lippan Art - Clay and Cut Mirrors: A Folk Art Style From India
Niloufer Rakhangi | Artist and Business Owner, The Water Lily Designs Lippan is a mural art form from Kutch in Gujarat, India. Traditionally, they use materials found in the region using a mixture of clay and camel dung which keeps the interiors of the houses cool. The mix of materials offers some relief from the otherwise very harsh climate of the region. The addition of mirrors brings beauty and gaiety into their homes and on occasion the external walls as well. Various communities practice this art form in their own distinctive style…the Hindus depict their religious symbols, gods, animals…while the Muslims prefer geometric patterns. This art form is mainly practiced by women of the Rabari community. Their level of artistry allows them to express their creativity without the need of tracing or a plan. In this workshop you will learn how to…
Niloufer is an Indian Folk artist based in Sharon, MA. On display is her Lippan Art, a folk art style from India using clay and cut mirrors. Custom orders are accepted and pieces can be commissioned via her website. She also conducts folk art workshops in schools, libraries and privately- using the opportunity to discuss her culture and create an environment of learning and awareness of different traditions, art styles etc. Details for workshops are added to her social platforms and information for private events is available on the website: www.thewaterlilydesigns.com |
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Making Dance Education More Accessible from a Disabled Dance Director
Ellice Patterson | Executive Director, Abilities Dance Boston Learn from founder/executive & artistic director of Abilities Dance Ellice Patterson how to make dance education more accessible. It goes beyond just movement adaptations, but ways to treat students more equitably in class and create opportunities to learn about options for futures in dance for both disabled and nondisabled/diverse students. Ellice Patterson is the founder/ executive and artistic director of Abilities Dance, a Boston-based dance company that welcomes artists with and without disabilities. She currently serves on the board of Massachusetts Cultural Council. She was an artist in residence with the City of Boston’s transportation department, using dance as a way to promote more accessibility on the streets and sidewalks of the city 2022 - 2023. She has also served as the executive director of BalletRox 2020 - 2022, a Boston-based dance education nonprofit. She has won the 2020 Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Award from Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the 2024 Bill Allan Award for Grassroots Advocacy from Disability Policy Consortium. Abilities Dance under her leadership has won the 2020 UP Award from Mass Cultural Council for our achievements in accessibility across the Commonwealth and the 2023 Equity Award from Boston Cultural Council for our commitment to equity in the arts. Outside of self-produced Abilities Dance's shows, her choreography has appeared in the MFA, Links Hall in Chicago, Gibney Dance in NYC, The Series: Vol IV at the Ailey Citigroup Theatre in NYC, and more. She has given lectures and workshops at schools, universities, and organizations across the country, including Harvard Graduate School of Education, Fidelity Investments, Boston University, and more. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from Wellesley College and her Masters of Science in Management Studies from Boston University Questrom School of Business. Patterson sailed from Massachusetts to Ireland and conducted research in the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans on coastal runoff, sponge species, and spider habitats! She is a passionate researcher and science communicator, dedicated to uplifting Black women in STEM through her ongoing series with the Discovery Museum. |
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Utilizing Projections for Productions: A QLab Introduction
Grace Kroeger | Audio & Video - Engineer & Designer, Kroeger.AV This session is for theater teachers looking at adding projections as scenic backdrops or practical pieces to their onstage productions. Aimed at providing educators with the foundations of projection design to be used in either small or large scale spaces. In one half, you will learn how to find the right equipment, plan your system, and best projection design practices. Followed by a visual demonstration of setting up the show control system, QLab, for projections. Then hands on experimentation with creating surfaces and content manipulation within QLab 5. Please bring your MacBook Air laptops with QLab 5 downloaded ahead of time. Grace Kroeger is a local Projection Designer and Engineer for theater. They received their Bachelor’s for Theater: Design and Technology from the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities in 2019. Since graduating, they have programmed, board operated, and designed for companies such as Des Moines Metro Opera, Company One, The Theater Offensive, Wellfleet Harbor Actors’ Theater, and Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Grace initially started working with QLab for sound design, but shifted towards projections as their University began introducing projections into mainstage shows. From there they learned a lot of pitfalls, but also the frameworks for reliable systems. Now with every show, Grace tries to learn something new to bring to the next project! Email: [email protected] |
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