Students Exhibit at Union Station



http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=862

 


 
VSA Florida Exemplary Nominee Exhibits at Union Station
Overcoming Violence with Art
Written by: Liz Eb

Thank you, for the opportunitiy to add my voice to the Team Teaching Discussion.  Providing postive reinforcement to teens at risk encourages them to stay on task. This lifeline is strengtherned when the Hosting Teacher and Paraprofessional rotate with the Resident Artist in providing constructive feedback to students.

Together as teachers we all can contribute to the new found success of the student. Team Teaching instills a cooperative learning elassroom enriched by multiple approaches and different teaching styles empowering students to achieve. Students measurably thrive when this type of cooperative learning environment is modeled because, it helps them draw invaluable connections to real world teamwork examples. I believe as techers we can change the lives of children by providing them the opportunity to move into their dreams. Recognizing students strength and courage to commit to starting a new chapter in life is paramount to growth. As a Collaborative Educator I Coordinated with hosting teacher for 40 students’with Varying Exceptionalities (Specail Needs) on modifications to instruction to compliment IEPs.  I alleviated anxiety by consistency in the classroom.   During my Teaching Artist Residency we moved from a Monitoring Teaching Model to a Differentiated Split Class Model. I feel honored to share with you this special student's achievement.



The 2010 exhibition theme for the "All Kids Can Create Competition" was State of the Art. 5,500 young artists ages 5-15 were invited to portray what makes their community unique. Children using photography, finger paint, collage, ceramics and computers shared their perspectives of the world. Liz Ebanks nominated Jennifer as an Exemplary VSA arts of Florida Participant for her dramatic personal growth and leadership through art activities. Jennifer and all of the student submissions were showcased in an interactive online gallery kiosk at Union Station in Washington, D.C. during the VSA International Festival.

The young artists roles within their communities were the focus of the May 24 through June 12 exhibition. It was the Teaching Artist' understanding prior to the beginning of the school year, Jennifer had started down a path of rage and violence at home and school. However, after moving to  a new High School she became a model straight A student and attentive class leader. Jenifer consistently committed herself to generously helping her classmates with countless tasks. All the while her patience and eagerness were genuine. Jennifer confidently and clearly communicated with others while embracing art as an expressive tool. She listened with empathy to her classmates and is respectful of their feelings when they articulated what they are feeling in creating each new piece of artwork. Jennifer adapted well when paired with a partner to collaborate on team assignments; this was evident in her ability to receive constructive criticism from her teachers and peers. Ebanks believes Jennifer will continue to be an invaluable asset to our community because, of how she has overcome all of her personal hardships and focused on giving to others. The Teaching Artist has posted more fan comments for her students on http://www.artsonia.com/ in the virtual gallery.


Schoolarships were awarded to one student per state based on personal growth and exemplary artistry. Even though Jennifer was not selected to represent Florida Ebanks is extremely proud of Jennifer's emotional growth.  Sometimes it is not always about winning but, the self-reflective process of creating art that has a message.  Whereas, other times its about recognizing outstanding dedication to overcoming disability through expressive arts and gaining friendships.  Jack of Venice, Florida festive mixed media entry entitled "My Florida Flamingo" was selected to represent Florida at the VSA Congressional reception in the Cannon House. In addition, four 2010 VSA Young Performing Soloist awardees : Soprano Ju Hyeon Han, Pianist Dotan Nitz berg from Israel, and Singer/ Songwiter/ pianist Blessing Offer, and violinst Aria Stiles performed in concert at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.


TIP:  If you would like to learn more about Team Teaching you might like this link:
http://www.ehow.com/about_4651920_what-team-teaching.html


If you enjoyed this post you may also like my READING EXPEDITION with the FLORIDA HALL OF FAME ARTISTS in the link below:
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/01/floridas-african-american-landscape.html

As a National Art Teacher Award Recipient and Fashion Designer, I always welcome commissions to customize shoes and invitations to present my Award Winning  Art Workshops in Tampa. I love mentoring and empowering students of all abilities to triumph over personal challenges at camps, schools, and museums.

Email: liz@rescueteam.com