On October 6, the ARTeacher Fellows attended a professional development at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art that focused on developing empathy and expanding communities through student photography and interviews.
The PD was led by an alumna of the ARTeacher Fellowship, Ashley Grisso, who teaches social studies at Fayetteville High School. Dr. Grisso shared with current fellows her Putting a Face on Islam project, which integrated portrait photography and student interviews with her AP World History class’s study of this major religion, both historically and today. Her work has been been recognized by a number of educational groups, including being invited to the annual conference of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) to share her project with a nationwide audience.
Afterward, Hung Pham, Director of the Center for Children & Youth at the University of Arkansas, led the current ARTeacher Fellows in discussions surrounding photography and portraiture. The Fellows participated first-hand in explorations of their own photography (using their smartphones) and interviews of each other. They then collaborated on how to best use these activities in their own classrooms. “Our alumni Fellows are some of our best resources, and for the past many years we have made a point of bringing them back to share their work,” said Pham. “Projects like Ashley’s are direct proof of the effectiveness of arts integration, and the creativity present in both area teachers and students.”
Dr. Grisso related how arts integration practices learned through the ARTeacher Fellowship has positively impacted her teaching, not just through the project she shared, but more broadly. “Arts integration is a philosophical approach to teaching that serves my students,” she remarked. “Hands-on art-making is as valuable for high school students as it is for young kids” in cultivating creativity, empathy, and deeper understanding.”
Thanks to Dr. Grisso and all of the Fellows for a fantastic day of learning!