Fine Arts teachers from Daviess County and Owensboro public schools attended a professional development training event Friday at the RiverPark Center. Lectures were presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The keynote speaker was Edrick Rhodes, the Arts Education Administrator at the Kennedy Center. His speech covered topics from how to create a safe environment for the students and the importance of the arts in students’ education.
“Remember, everyone is a star … there are no reserves,” Rhodes said. “Therefore, students should feel they have a place to create and express themselves.”
Teachers within the different disciplines received training from educators from across the state and nation. Nationally renowned composer and conductor Roger Emerson lead the choral teachers; Lexington band and orchestra educator Lois Wiggins lead the instrumental teachers; and representatives from Owensboro Dance Theatre lead the dance instructors.
OPS Coordinator of Fine Arts Tom Stites said the day allowed the teachers to celebrate and learn about the “valuable role the arts play in our schools and community.”
Along with the sessions, there was a presentation on social-emotional learning topics hosted by Narrative 4, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting educators in incorporating flexible, adaptable classroom resources.
“The far-reaching impact of art instruction is made possible by a committed group of educators and administrators in our schools and strong alliances with our arts partners throughout the region,” said DCPS Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Karen Alward. “It is a blessing to be able to plant these seeds and watch our community grow through the arts.”
