Presenting at MAEA 2021 Virtual Conference

For the first time, I’ll be presenting a session at the Massachusetts Art Education Association Conference in November, entitled “Using VTS to Foster Empathy Within School Teams.” This two-day conference convenes art educators of all types from K-12 teachers to museum educators to school administrators. I look forward to immersing myself in the newest trends and fine details of art education, specifically thinking about how to apply what I’ve learned to my work with my clients. I’m also thrilled to contribute to the broader conversation, suggesting a new way to utilize VTS, a methodology with which many art educators are already familiar.

After 18 months of unmeasurable strife in the world, our nation, and our industry, paying attention to our workplace environments is more important than ever. "Fostering tolerance" and "promoting empathy" are phrases we often hear within the teaching and art communities, but how often do we live out what we teach? Do school teams or museum offices reflect the practices we espouse publicly? Turning our own methods inward might do us some good. This workshop will examine the compelling use of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) as an effective approach to breaking down silos between departments and teams, bringing together various levels of staff within schools or museums, and creating a respectful place where employees bring their best selves. Join us for an engaging conversation as well as some guidelines for how to recreate what you've learned back at your home institution.

If you are an art educator or MAEA member, register for the conference today!