Kids’ Orchestra Teaching Artist and Mentor Professional Development Series Spring 2017
Kids’ Orchestra’s Teaching Artist’s Professional Development Spring 2017 took place on January 11, 2017 at Claiborne Elementary School. The training exceeded expectations on many different levels. Several discussions took place including sessions on child safety procedures, behavior management strategies, and curriculum.
About 45 teaching artists participated in the event. These artists teach one of 10 music class offerings while facilitating a safe, afterschool environment for students.
“A great group music lesson balances discipline and fun, and that starts with a passionate instructor,” says Sam Trevathan, Kids’ Orchestra Education Director, who oversees curriculum. “These training sessions assist our teachers to identify each students’ individuality while bringing them together to perform as a group or ensemble.”
Our teaching artists comprise professional musicians, graduate students, and music educators. Not all of them have classroom experience. However, in these sessions, veteran teachers work closely with new staff on best practices.
Also this semester, Kids’ Orchestra’s Mentorship Professional Development Spring 2017 took place on January 15, 2017 at McKinnley Middle Magnet.
21 site staff participated in roundtable discussions on topics including homework assistance techniques, the “dos and don’ts” of relationship management & guided practice scenarios with students and parents.
New this year, Kids’ Orchestra is piloting an expanded academic enrichment component to the aftershool program to include grade-specific remediation and leap test preparation for about 250 participants.
Kids’ Orchestra’s teaching artists and mentors are required to participate in two training sessions each year as part of Kids’ Orchestra Professional Development Series. All staff must also pass background checks and complete child safety training through Praesidium.
Special Thanks to East Baton Rouge Parish Public Schools for making Kids’ Orchestra Professional Development Series possible.
