2nd Art Ed. Connect Is a Venue for Professional Development, Sharing Ideas
Art educators who teach at levels from kindergarten through college can join together for professional development, idea sharing, and networking at the second Art Ed. Connect session on Thursday, Oct 13 at the Albany Museum of Art. The workshop, which is open to educators from throughout Southwest Georgia, is 9 am-3 pm.

“We had a terrific turnout at our first Art Ed. Connect back in March, and several teachers said they would like to see the program return this fall,” AMA Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem said. “When budgets are tight, the arts are usually the first to lose funding, so this is an inexpensive way for art educators to connect with one another and share ideas and tips that can be used in the classroom to improve student outcomes.”
Vanoteghem said that research has shown that professional development results in improved instruction. Likewise, students who are exposed to the arts develop stronger skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, organizing and developing ideas, and other areas that lead to better scholastic performance.
“The arts are a critical part of a well-rounded education, and our art educators play a vital role by bringing the arts to students,” she said. “Many feel like they’re alone on an island. This program was designed to bring those teachers together, creating peer-to-peer learning opportunities and introducing them to each other. The result will be a stronger social and emotional support group that will serve as a bridge between all those islands.”
Vanoteghem said that research has shown that professional development results in improved instruction. Likewise, students who are exposed to the arts develop stronger skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, organizing and developing ideas, and other areas that lead to better scholastic performance.
“The arts are a critical part of a well-rounded education, and our art educators play a vital role by bringing the arts to students,” she said. “Many feel like they’re alone on an island. This program was designed to bring those teachers together, creating peer-to-peer learning opportunities and introducing them to each other. The result will be a stronger social and emotional support group that will serve as a bridge between all those islands.”

Participating educators will take part in discussions and hands-on workshops; discover new effective lesson plans, tips, and strategies, and be inspired with innovative ideas that they can take back to their classrooms to benefit their students.
“We will have presentations discussing lesson plans and curriculums, classroom management and mindfulness, and Visual Thinking Strategies, which is an inquiry-based teaching strategy for all grade levels,” Vanoteghem said. “They will get a gallery tour, and experience a mock field trip. Participants also will have time to meet and mingle with local art educators, network, and find resources for support.”
The cost for an educator to attend this professional development opportunity is $25. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. A link for secure registration may be found HERE.
Teachers with questions about the program or registration may contact Vanoteghem by email HERE or call her at 229.439.8400.
“We will have presentations discussing lesson plans and curriculums, classroom management and mindfulness, and Visual Thinking Strategies, which is an inquiry-based teaching strategy for all grade levels,” Vanoteghem said. “They will get a gallery tour, and experience a mock field trip. Participants also will have time to meet and mingle with local art educators, network, and find resources for support.”
The cost for an educator to attend this professional development opportunity is $25. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. A link for secure registration may be found HERE.
Teachers with questions about the program or registration may contact Vanoteghem by email HERE or call her at 229.439.8400.
AMA EXHIBITIONS
AMA EVENTS
ABOUT THE ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART
The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive in Albany, Ga., adjacent to Albany State University West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Albany Museum of Art is open to the public 10 am-5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
For more information about the AMA please visit our website, www.albanymuseum.com, or call 229.439.8400. Be sure to follow the AlbanyArtMuseum on Twitter, AlbanyMuseum on Instagram, and AlbanyMuseumOfArt on Facebook.
- Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice is in The Haley Gallery, Sept 1-Dec 10, 2022. Organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Generous support is provided by Art Bridges.
- Wayna: Her Dreams of Ethiopia, Works by Tracy Murrell is in the East Gallery, Sept 1, 2022- Jan 7, 2023.
- Georgia Artists Guild of Albany, 29th Juried Exhibition is in the McCormack Gallery, Sept 1, 2022-Jan 7, 2023.
- Escape Plan, Installation by Elinor Saragoussi is in the West Gallery.
AMA EVENTS
- AMA ChalkFest, Nov 19, 2022, 10 am-5 pm, Front Street and Veterans Park Amphitheater. Admission is free. Get info HERE.
ABOUT THE ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART
The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive in Albany, Ga., adjacent to Albany State University West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Albany Museum of Art is open to the public 10 am-5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
For more information about the AMA please visit our website, www.albanymuseum.com, or call 229.439.8400. Be sure to follow the AlbanyArtMuseum on Twitter, AlbanyMuseum on Instagram, and AlbanyMuseumOfArt on Facebook.