February 2020 - Arts Leader Spotlight
Announcing February’s Arts Leader Spotlight…
In honor of Arts Integration Month, MSDE Fine Arts has decided to celebrate the work of two nominated leaders in Arts Integration! Baltimore City Teacher of the Year, English Teacher, Artist, and Arts Integration Champion: LaQuisha Hall and Arts Educator, Administrator, Dance and Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Arts Integration Specialist: Lacey Sheppard! Congratulations to two incredible women!
LaQuisha Hall
English Language Arts Teacher, Carver Vocational-Technical High School, Baltimore City Public Schools
When did you realize you were an artist?
In my childhood... I remember being complimented often early in elementary school for having neat handwriting. In 4th grade, my teacher, Ms. Witherspoon, was so impressed with my writing and drawings that she allowed me to help her create a Little Mermaid themed bulletin board. I drew a large Ariel and the entire school helped to boost my confidence by sharing so much praise and encouragement. I have been drawing and lettering ever since!
How does creativity show up in your day?
Every morning I get up at 4:30 a.m. During my morning routine, I do creative journaling where I record affirmations, gratitude, etc. using stickers, brush pens, washi tape and more. I also teach high school English and I incorporate art in my classes. My 9th and 11th grade scholars have been featured in art galleries, created colorful one pagers, used oil pastels to design African inspired art and most creatively, they have published their inspiring writings.
Why does arts education matter to you?
As a high schooler, I experienced a lot of trauma for many years and needed much support. I found support through art: journaling, writing, drawing and being creative overall kept me from going over the edge. I remember my art teacher, how hard she made me work and I still have some of the work and grades she gave me. I know the healing that can be found through art and I desire to offer this experience to my scholars.
As a leader in Arts Education, what are your priorities for the coming year?
As I have done in the past, creative writing will be a priority. In the spring of this year, my scholars will publish a fourth book, which will include metaphor poems and one pagers. Also, my scholars were featured in the Arts Everyday 10x10 Identity Exhibition this school year and will be showcased there through the end of February.
Share a recommendation of a book, artist, event, or piece of work that inspires you!
I love the books Ink and Ideas Sketchnotes by Tanny McGregor and How to Sketchnote and Sketchnotes for Educators by Sylvia Duckworth. Not only have these books increased my confidence in teaching creativity in my classroom but it has also increased the confidence of my scholars’ who tend to say they cannot draw. I have used these books to teach other educators how to increase their own creative confidence in their classrooms.
Website: www.ConfidentCanvas.com
Instagram/Twitter: @mrshallscholars @confidentcanvas
Lacey Sheppard
Arts Integration Specialist, Anne Arundel County Public Schools
When did you realize you were an artist?
I realized I was an artist when I was about 9 years old. Prior to that, my mom forced me into every possible extra-curricular activity: soccer, dance, baseball (yes, baseball...not softball), cheerleading, girl scouts, piano lessons, swimming lessons...you name it, I did it. I think my mom really just wanted to expose me to everything, and let me decide what I enjoyed after exploring all of my options. I knew I was an artist when I first stepped inside a dance studio, but I think my mom finally realized it after spending an entire baseball season watching me practice pirouettes in the outfield. I was constantly dancing. From there, I auditioned and was accepted into my first pre-professional ballet company. I spent 5 nights a week and many weekends in the dance studio, and never stopped dancing.
How does creativity show up in your day?
Creativity shows up everywhere! From planning professional development for teachers, to coordinating arts opportunities for students...it all takes creativity! I truly believe that teachers are the most creative individuals and am fortunate to work with the best of the best! I regularly attend collaborative planning with teachers, where we plan lessons to integrate the arts into their general education classrooms. The arts are so inherently connected to all other content areas, but it does take creativity and critical thinking to seamlessly find those authentic connections. It is such a rewarding experience to watch teachers step outside of their comfort zone and embrace the arts as part of their regular teaching practices.
Why does arts education matter to you?
Oh my goodness, I could talk about this topic forever. I will keep it short and summarize it to two points. The first being the arts teach us so much about ourselves and the world around us. I found my identity in the dance studio, and learned so many life lessons along the way. I learned about respect, perseverance, how to work with others, goal setting, responsibility, accountability, empathy, problem-solving, and how to communicate...just to name a few.
The second point speaks to the importance of arts integration. I was a “good” student. I was responsible and got good grades, but often found myself bored in school. Most of my memories from school are centered around arts experiences. For me, the arts were one of the main reasons I went to school. I knew if I had rehearsal, I had to be in class. I often think that if I had the opportunity to learn other subject areas through the arts consistently, that I would have had a far more memorable and engaging school experience. I think it is so important to use the arts as a vehicle for learning. Arts integration provides a different lens or point of access for acquiring content, while simultaneously providing another avenue to demonstrate understanding. It promotes engagement, understanding, and retention of classroom content. I am so unbelievably fortunate to work in a county that truly values the arts, and to work alongside some of the most passionate champions of arts education. Together, we are creating so many amazing arts opportunities for students that I wish I would have had when I was in school.
As a leader in Arts Education, what are your priorities for the coming year?
I want to inspire teachers to be creative, take risks, and invest in their own artistic growth. Many adults stop taking arts classes after high school or college graduation, and it really is a creative outlet that everyone needs, even adults. It is never too late to start taking classes in a new arts area, or continue to develop technique in a familiar arts area. My goal is to create opportunities for teachers to view themselves as artists, so that they can pass that appreciation for the arts on to their students.
Another goal is to conduct research on why the arts and arts integration are important in education. I currently am working with Nicole Deming, the Dance Teacher Specialist for AACPS, on a dance integration research study that measures the impact dance integration has on student engagement in learning and social interactions among peers. As arts professionals, we know that the arts have such a dramatic impact on the lives of students. We see it every day. But we often don’t have the quantitative or qualitative data to back that up. By really studying and analyzing how the arts impact learning, we are hoping to create a model that can be used throughout the state and country for arts professionals to advocate for program growth or support already existing programs.
Share a recommendation of a book, artist, event, or piece of work that inspires you!
Since I have two young boys, I spend a lot of time reading children’s books. One of my favorites is Not a Box by Antoinette Portis. It is about how with a little imagination and creativity, a box can be transformed into the most extraordinary things.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aacpsartsengage
Another huge congratulations to Lacey and LaQuisha! …And Maryland Fine Arts Office followers can get ready for Maryland’s “The Year of the Woman” with an all year, all women, Arts Leader Spotlight!