The richness, intensity, the symbols, the time for reflection – No Professional development accomplishes these attributes more than ArtSmart! ~ Fall Institute 2007 Participant READ MORE TEACHER COMMENTS BELOW!

1. It has opened my eyes again to how important integrating the arts into my classroom should be each year!
2. It has made me more aware of my own hidden talents that became suppressed over time. It was nice to tap back into my own creativity.
3. – renewal; - greater appreciation for diverse perspectives; - focus for arts integration unit; - resources
4. As always – it is a wonderful way of finding the creative part of me and pulling it out. It ain’t easy!
5. I cannot relate in words to you what these two days have meant to me – It took me deep.

What kind of impact has this experience had on you as a teacher?

1. Rejuvenation, excitement for planning and teaching new things
2. Teaching is art. I am an artist. I can use more arts integration activities in my classroom and not limit my students to the arts of the music/art specialist.
3. I am constantly searching new ways to engage my students. These 21/2 days has given me a plethora of ideas I can take back and USE with my students helping to create in them happy, excited lifelong learners.
4. I go back to my students with renewed hope and with lighter shoulders and being.
5. A deep commitment to FIND the Time, MAKE the Time and SHAPE my schedule to have more art integration in as many lessons as possible.

Do you expect you will integrate the arts in your teaching differently than in the past? How or why not?

1. Yes – more creation, rather than a focus on analysis alone
2. Yes! Because I know how to now in an effective way.
3. Definitely. It correlates well with all of the units that we are doing for the rest of this year. I have made new friends and renewed old resources – together we can broaden this curriculum beyond the factual and necessarily true.
4. Oh my Yes!! Every time I see a piece of literature, art, hear music, see a play, a movie, etc. I will think how I can help my students relate it to their world, to their lives. Yes, I intend to do the project that I planned, plus I will try to accept my students’ offerings without judgment.
5. Yes, I have more training, ideas and confidence in achieving this as I take my boys and girls on a journey exploring and experiencing the ARTS.

Was your idea of arts integration affected in any way?  How or why not?

1. Opened up ideas for how to integrate with upper classes, math (not just an elementary thing)\
2. Yes. It makes me realize that art can be used to teach the standards.
3. Yes, I hadn’t thought of integrating art as presented with other subject but as a totally separate unit. I’ll now incorporate my ideas into the planned unit of study.
4. Yes – I really had shunned art to a certain extent because my students have formal Art classes.  I will commit to a more personal responsibility for this in my classroom.
5. Certainly. It has given me a road map of sorts to think about how everything can link together in a very natural way. One idea or activity or piece of art can lead in MANY directions.

Were there any surprises for you?  Please describe one (or more).

1. Yes! Dancing, acting – totally didn’t expect it. Scary at first, but intriguing in the end. I want to slowly, at my pace, learn more.
2. Yes, that adults can create such different and beautiful expressions of art in such a short amount of time. This group was very diverse but worked amazingly well together. It’s sad to say good-bye to people we’ve just begun to know and appreciate.
3. I was surprised at how deeply I was moved to tears at times as emotions were stirred up by journal writing and especially the storytelling. I’m so glad I didn’t miss that through a closed mind or being absent in body. Thanks XOXO
4. I came in afraid of messing up, but was surprised that w/ time I gained courage.
5. I’m always surprised by my change by the end of the experience. As uncomfortable as it is – I know it is a “growing” pain. I’m always stretched by your creative genius that is so wonderfully & joyfully shared.

Other comments:

• Thank you! I was really impressed with the use of TIME – even starting late and getting the most out of discussions, we made up for lost time, and didn’t seem to be lacking in any rushed way.
• I appreciate the learning opportunity offered. You are helpful and so giving of all that you do. I know a lot of work and preparation goes into this. You are intentional!
•  It was great. I am looking forward to coming to another one.
• Thanks for this rich experience! It is hard as a teacher to sit, listen, be creative & unleash a daring personality! But, as always, you always do! Thanks again.
• The richness, intensity, the symbols, the time for reflection – No Professional development accomplishes these attributes more than ArtSmart!