As an arts nonprofit executive director and main program provider with twenty-five years of experience in improvisational theatre and two decades of creativity, imagination-building and social-emotional education, I never expected to face such a stark reality check during a recent meeting with an arts’ grant provider. Despite my passion and knowledge as an arts educator, I was flabbergasted when she pointed out that my lessons often fell flat for observing educators as I visited and provided classes for a multitude of schools. It was a wake-up call that shook me to my core.
Over the past year, I’ve come to this realization almost instinctually and made a concerted effort to evolve as a teaching artist. I’ve focused on listening more intently to my students, understanding their needs, and preparing lesson plans that resonate with them. I’ve realized that while I have relied heavily on instinct throughout my performing and education career—often leading to what others call “the Scott show”—it’s crucial to shift my approach. It’s not just about performing; it’s about creating a space where students feel engaged and empowered. It’s about collaborating with educators/administrators and collaborating with them and asking for and accepting their input. I’m excited to share my journey and insights as I strive to become a better teaching artist.
Better yet, let Jeff Antoniuk (from a post on www.blog.americansforthearts.com) explain how to become a great teaching artist.
How to Become a Great Teaching Artist
Posted by Jeff Antoniuk
Gang banger or set designer? Bored and disconnected, or improvising jazz on a Duke Ellington tune? YOU are in a position to change a life, and maybe one day save a life with art. So, let’s look at five important ways to maximize your potential, your influence and your long-term success as a Teaching Artist.
1) You Gotta Have Chops
2) Hit The Gym (aka Professional Development)
3) Autopilot is a Killer
4) Strong Relationships with Teachers and Administration
5) Keep Your Inner Artist Alive
1) You Gotta Have Chops
Most importantly, you need to be an Artist with a capitol “A” first. Sure, your job description includes administrator, roadie, booking agent, disciplinarian, IT manager, wrangler, and much more. However, you need to be able to drop jaws with what you do in your art form.
Certainly, some art forms lend themselves to “big, colorful, or loud” more than others, but be sure you are really bringing it when you perform or display for the children you see. Those young minds have a keen sense of when someone is phoning it in or bringing the kiddie version of something. Challenge yourself to present art at a level that YOU would pay money for. Constantly be striving for excellence in your art form.
2) Hit The Gym (aka Professional Development)
Some of us love it, some of us hate it, but we all know it’s good for us. Like going to the gym, professional development is important for your long-term health. Yes, you are a great artist, and you have a lot of technique, excitement and information to share. Be sure, however, that you are building your muscles on the “teacher” side of the Teaching Artist equation as well.
A great part of my relationship with the Washington Performing Arts Society (Washington DC) has been the years of professional development they have afforded me and my band. Although Jeff Antoniuk & The Jazz Update was always an entertaining and engaging band, our abilities as teachers, our ability to focus and drive home a concept in minutes and not hours, has been honed to a fine skill. Be sure you are taking workshops, seminars and professional development sessions each year to learn how to be a better educator and communicator. The word “teacher” is in your job description, after all.
3) Autopilot is a Killer
Any classroom teacher will tell you that having a game plan is crucial. That said, blindly following your carefully laid out game plan can also be the quickest way to lose your audience, and possibly that residency for next year too! Running on autopilot and “just saying what you said last time” is lazy and might cost you that all important chance to CONNECT.
Always be looking up and out. Be glancing into your students’ eyes. If you can’t see the faces of half the class, guess what? It’s time to modulate something – the tone of your voice, your position in the room, your analogy, perhaps even your topic. Reading from a script, be it in your head or on a music stand in front of you is NO different than that terrible math teacher you had in 8th grade, reading from the textbook day after day. You hated that then, and your students hate that now. Be in the moment. Observe, engage, connect.
4) Relationships With Teachers and Administration Are Key
You are a guest in whatever school or classroom you may find yourself. An honored guest perhaps, but a guest, nonetheless. Know the rules of the road for each classroom and teacher, because they vary.
Styles of discipline or the particulars of each student population vary. Communication with the teacher is how you’ll know what/who is just around the corner for you.
Emotionally challenged children, kids sensitive to loud sounds, learning disabilities and more are just of few of the populations I’ve run in to over the years, with good success due to good prior communication.
Getting to know the school’s administration is very important, even if you aren’t in direct contact with them as a Teaching Artist. Principals and arts administrators like to know who is coming in and out of their school, and a small bit of face time on your part can help everything from your general acceptance in the school to your next round of scheduling and funding.
5) Keep Your Inner Artist Alive
Keep feeding yourself if you want to have the energy to feed others. Nothing is worse than a burned-out artist trying to fein enthusiasm for their art form, and I’ve seen it too often. Teaching and coaching are exhausting work, and it will drain you fast and hard. Be sure to make time for YOUR art. Keep your gas tank full, people!
Take a class, schedule a show or exhibition, learn some new repertoire, or simply attend a concert. Get fired up about the power of art, so that your next Teaching Artist engagement has the energy behind it that it deserves. You are an artist first, so don’t shortchange yourself in that department. Keep finding ways to excite yourself about ART, and you’ll find that the time and money spent more than comes back to you many times over.
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As I reflect on the incredible lessons learned from Jeff Antoniuk’s article, I can confidently say that my journey is ongoing, but I’m already witnessing positive changes. By embracing the concept of active listening and being more attuned to my students’ needs, I’ve transformed my teaching style. My lessons are no longer just about showcasing my skills; they are collaborative experiences that foster creativity and imagination.
This transformation hasn’t come from formal training—it’s been a self-guided journey fueled by the realization that I must adapt and grow as an educator. I’ve acknowledged the weight of my “all rocks on my back” mentality and allowed myself to be shaken out of complacency. As I continue to learn and apply these principles, I feel more equipped than ever to make a meaningful impact on my students and those observing my classes. I’m excited to see where this path leads, not just for me, but for the students I have the privilege to teach. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a great teaching artist together!