Course Description: The session is designed for educators from all content areas. Communication with parents can be difficult when teachers are working with hundreds of children per week, however communication during high stress times is essential.  This workshop will provide resources for fine arts teachers to learn how to establish relationships and effectively communicate.  Teachers will be provided with several communication strategies and tools, examples of effective approaches to start difficult conversations with families, and discuss ways to develop positive relationships with the families of those we teach.  Participants will be given conversation starter guides, communication logs, and manipulative examples to customize for their own classroom.

Facilitator: Cassandra Hosler

Bio: Cassandra Hosler has been an elementary teacher in QAC since 2008. Cassandra has a degree in psychology and art from the University of Delaware, Art Education Certification from Delaware State University, and a Masters in Instructional Technology from the University of Maryland, University College. She is a mother of 2 boys, a working artist, and a community volunteer.

Key Teaching and Learning Strategies explored in this course: 

• Perception - SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: With intention, model and develop social-emotional learning competencies. (Relationship Skills)

• Facilitator Role - MANAGE INTERRUPTIONS & CONFLICT: Take responsibility to appropriately disrupt and/or restore students and the learning community.

• Artist Communities - BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: Demonstrate understanding and empathy while building caring relationships that can be leveraged to increase rigor and risk.

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