Episode 105: Connected Arts Networks (CAN) – Professional Learning Communities Part 2
Finding or starting your own Professional Learning Community (PLC) presents many questions. Where do you start, who do you invite, how do you share resources, why is it important? Considering these questions is essential to choosing or creating a supportive PLC. In the second part of the Connected Arts Networks (CAN) PLC episode, The Creativity Department and co-host Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz continue the discussion with two new guests from CAN. They are joined by Amber Arnold, Fine Arts Instructional Coach from Georgia, and Tina Barone, Theater Educator from New York. Listen in to hear their perspectives on creating a PLC, the difficulties they faced, how it benefitted them and how it impacted their teaching.
The National Art Education Association (NAEA), in partnership with the Educational Theater Association, National Association for Music Education, and National Dance Education Organization has launched a nationwide initiative to create virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The goal of this Connected Arts Networks (CAN) is to build a sustainable model of professional learning to help teachers better serve students. In the first of this eight-part series The Creativity Department and co-host Dr. Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz dive deeply into the importance of Professional Learning Communities. Following are resources and additional information for this episode.
Resources
Guests
Jared Cassedy
K–12 Performing Arts Coordinator, Conductor of the Lexington High School Wind Ensemble
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Jared Cassedy is the K–12 performing arts coordinator and LHS Wind Ensemble conductor for Lexington Public Schools in Massachusetts. He also directs the Junior Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble at the New England Conservatory and chairs the Massachusetts Music Educators Association Northeastern District. Learn more about Jared.
Kim Hoj
Dance Teacher, Career Technical Education Teacher on Special Assignment
Kim Hoj is founder of the Nordhoff High School dance program, where she currently teaches. In 2021, she was a recipient of a Golden Bell Award for Excellence in Education and has also served as a visual and performing arts and career technical education coordinator in Santa Barbara. Learn more about Kim.
Amber Arnold
Fine Arts Instructional Coach
Amber Arnold is the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) K–12 fine arts instructional coach in Suwanee, Georgia. She supports the instruction of visual and performing arts teachers, with a focus on fine arts teachers who are new to GCPS. Additionally, she facilitates the Fine Arts Mentor Program as well as a collaborative learning team. Learn more about Amber.
Tina Barone
Theatre Teacher
Tina Barone is an actor, director, and educator with a degree in theatre performance from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York. She also holds a master’s degree in education and has been teaching theatre in an elementary school for the past 20 years. Learn more about Tina.
CAN Partner Organizations
National Art Education Association
National Association for Music Education
National Dance Education Organization
Educational Theater Association
NYC Dept. of Education’s Office of Arts and Special Projects (OASP)
Links
Connected Arts Networks Quarterly Session, No. 1 Professional Learning Communities
Connected Arts Networks information on NAEA website
CAN Press Release