Course Description: Elementary and middle school general music educators will develop and apply a protocol to develop meaningful Big Ideas for their students. The workshop is hands-on and participants will use Big Ideas to inspire musical projects while connecting the artistic knowledge and actions they want students to acquire.

Facilitator: James Dorsey

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).

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 - ARTIST HABITS OF MIND: Model and cultivate the Artist Habits of Mind. (Engage & Persist)

• Artist Communities - VOICE & AGENCY: Integrate authentic opportunities for participants to share their perspectives and experiences, make choices, and provide and receive peer feedback.

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