Hi Suzanne!
I wanted to respond to your comment about the Tennessee Arts Academy Elementary Theatre division. Those sessions are designed for K-6 teachers and primarily attracts drama and dance specialists, classroom generalists, and librarians. The three instructors who are hired to teach these sessions and all are drama-based professors or theatre artists. Participants rotate through three 90 minute classes, so that each day they attend a Creative Drama class, an Arts Integration class, and a Movement class. It is true that the elementary theatre sessions do have an arts integration emphasis, but that is primarily accomplished through the Arts Integration class. The Creative Drama and Movement classes are all very applicable and appropriate for use in an elementary drama program taught by a drama specialist. The Arts Integration class is taught by a drama professor and/or drama professional as well, with almost all of that material very adaptable to drama specialist needs. I am glad to speak with you individually about the nature of the classes and what you can expect. I think you would be pleased with the curriculum if you are able to attend. Beyond the core classes, there are wonderful daily performances, nationally recognized speakers and lots of mini-workshops, networking, and special event opportunities. And just to note - you are very correct that there is not a lot out there for elementary theatre teachers. That is why each year we have been accepting more and more out-of-state educators (both elementary and secondary) who desire high-quality professional development (like Lea!). Online registration opens on October 1st
at this site. I hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
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Frank Bluestein
Managing Director
Tennessee Arts Academy/Arts Academy America
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2018 20:40
From: Suzanne Katz
Subject: A Challenge: Looking for Professional Development
Thanks, Lea. I checked the webpage, and it says the elementary track is for integrating theatre into the general K-6 classroom. It looks like a good program, but its not really what I am hoping for.
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Suzanne Katz
Washington DC
Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2018 09:57
From: Lea Marshall
Subject: A Challenge: Looking for Professional Development
I attended the Tennessee Arts Academy in Nashville, TN this summer and they have a track just for Elementary School Theatre Teachers (as well as one for Secondary Theatre Teachers, the one that I did.) I know registration will be coming out the first of November. It is an excellent Professional Development Opportunity for ALL arts teachers and while it is specifically for Tennessee teachers, they do accept a certain number of teachers in each subject area from different states! Check it out and hope to see you there this summer!!! I will be going back!
http://www.tennesseeartsacademy.org/ Lea Marshall
Theatre Teacher/Director
Thespian Troupe #1429
Leon High School
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Original Message------
A timely post as I know many here are heading to the EdTA Conference this weekend...
I have access to some funding and am looking for strong elementary school theatre PD opportunities/conferences. I am not looking for arts integration practices or how to utilize theatre in the general classroom. I am looking for solid discussion/engaged practice in teaching theatre as a stand alone class to children ages 3-11 in an elementary school environment. My challenge is that most of what one finds in theatre PD is geared toward the secondary level. If anyone in this diverse and well-informed community knows of something, please feel free to pass it on.
(Crosses fingers and hopes not to hear crickets)
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Suzanne Katz
Washington DC
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