Episode 125 & 126: Connected Arts Networks (CAN) – Social-Emotional Learning Part 1 & 2
Broadly speaking, social-emotional learning (SEL) is a process through which students develop and apply crucial life skills such as confidence, emotion management, decision-making, and friendship. In the third series of Connected Arts Networks (CAN) conversations, we take a deep dive into SEL. As a partnership between The National Art Education Association (NAEA), Educational Theater Association, National Association for Music Education, National Dance Education Organization, and NYC Department of Education’s Office of Arts and Special Projects, the goal of this network is to build a sustainable model of professional learning. In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by Arts Educators Cristin Carole and Heather De Koning Foley for an informative discussion about how SEL has amplified student voice in their classrooms. Hear how they are creating supportive learning communities where students thrive.
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 fifth and sixth episodes of this eight-part series, The Creativity Department dives deeply into Social Emotional Learning. Following are resources and additional information for this episode.
Guests
Cristin Carole
1st-Grade Teacher/Dance Educator
As a proud CAN Dance Fellow, Cristin Carole began her dance training under the tutelage of her aunt Shirley Hall-Bass at the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre in Chicago, and later studied classical ballet with Elizabeth Boitsov. She has an undergraduate degree in technical theatre and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Cristin has served on the faculty of the City Colleges of Chicago, the University of the Bahamas, and as adjunct faculty for the graduate program in education at Columbia College in Chicago. She has also been instrumental in the development of the Joffrey Ballet’s Bridge Program for children of color, and worked as a movement designer and consultant for major productions at the Steppenwolf, TimeLine, American Blues, and Writers Theatre in Chicago.
Heather De Koning Foley
Teacher P.S. 132K/New York City Department of Education
Heather De Koning Foley is a visual artist and educator who teaches art and architecture + design to elementary students in Brooklyn, NY. She is also a CAN Teacher Leader for both the National and New York City Professional Learning Communities. Working as the arts liaison, Heather is responsible for coordinating all schoolwide arts programming. Heather is also a member of the Instructional Leadership Framework Team and leads the implementation of equity, diversity, and inclusion at her school. She enjoys teaching her students about how artists and designers can be agents of change in their communities. In 2008, Heather and her students were honored at the White House in Washington, DC, for their community service work with the Points of Light organization.
Kristie Farr
Theatre Educator at Indian River High School
Kristie is an award-winning theatre teacher from Indian River High School. Several of her productions have received Awards of Excellence in Directing from the Theatre Association of New York State. For over 25 years, Kristie has served as NYSTEA’s Curriculum Chair leading theatre standards revision, curriculum development, assessment, and certification. She has been part of EdTA’s SEL Lesson Plan and Model Curriculum projects, and currently serves as a Theatre Teacher Leader for the Connected Arts Network PLC.
Meghan Hickey
General Music & Choir Teacher at Old Orchard Junior High School
Meghan Hickey has been a music teacher at Old Orchard Junior High in Skokie, IL, for more than 10 years. Discovering a passion for social–emotional learning (SEL) several years ago, Meghan has trained other teachers, as well as developed an SEL curriculum for her school. She continues to discover new ways of implementing SEL both in her classroom and within the community along with her district’s SEL committee, and on the national level through Connected Arts Networks.
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)