Course Description: When classroom teachers integrate the arts they can expect improvements in academic and social-emotional outcomes such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. During this two-day workshop participants will explore and develop personal creative habits followed by arts-discipline specific instruction, led by master teachers, taught in studio environments to awaken the artist in each participant while providing a deep investigation of the latest artistic techniques.

Facilitator: James Dorsey & Kelli Johnson

Bio: James Dorsey is an arts educator in Prince George’s County Public Schools. He responds primarily through vocal performance, songwriting, dance, and collaborative arts with children. Dorsey supports younger students to create music and other art pieces that reflect artistic growth and empathy.  He engages adults in personal reflection around big ideas and helps them apply this to their personal growth and in learning spaces.  He has most recently collaborated with Maryland Centers for Creative Classrooms and the City of Bowie Museums. Dorsey earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and education (UMBC, Loyola University Maryland), and National Board Certification (Music).

Kelli Johnson is a proud Alum of Morgan State University where she received her BS degree in Elementary Education.  She served the Anne Arundel County Public School system as a classroom teacher for many years.  In her current position as an Arts & Humanities teacher, she guides K-5 students in an exploration of the human experiences within the arts through project-based learning.  Throughout her career, she has maintained her advocacy for teaching that integrates the arts.

Key Teaching and Learning Strategies explored in this course: 

• Perception - METACOGNITION: Deepen the awareness of the personal creative and teaching & learning practice. For oneself and others.

• The Creative Process Map - BIG IDEAS: Guide participants through a creative response to a relevant and exciting concept.

• Facilitator Role - TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION: Align technology tools to learning goals.

• Artist Communities - COLLABORATIVE LEARNING STRUCTURES: Adopt collaborative learning structures to deepen learning goals.

To download the full MSDE Fine Arts Office Professional Learning Framework, please click here.