It has been crazy busy around here lately. Not only have we been teaching classes, but we have also been taking them. I, Jennifer, have just finished up the Artist-Educator Foundation course. This was a joint course through the Royal Conservatory of Music and Ontario Arts Council for artists. This course teaches artists to become great teachers and educators through their art forms. For three weekends I became immersed in teaching techniques and other art forms. I met amazing dancers, movement artists, writers, storytellers, puppeteers, musicians, video artists, and of course visual artists. It was completely inspiring to be around so many other artists all working towards the same goal. We all felt completely honoured to be a part of this course.

All of the information taught to us was new. It made perfect sense, but it was exhausting and mind-boggling at times. At the end of the first weekend we were all exhausted, our brains fried. Our teachers, Sara and Cathy were just amazing. Even when we had to create a full lesson plan for a particular age group they were patiene with us.

I was extremely lucky to have a great partner to do my Lesson Plan with. I have to say I learned so much from Sarah. She is an amazing artist and will be seen in the world’s Contemporary art shows in the near future. I found working with her a bit of a kick in the pants to create. Something I have not done nerly enough of lately.

In the fall I will be taking the Level One course as I know it will benefit me in so many ways. Many of the techniques and tactics I learned in this course I have already tried out and put to use. I may just become a good teacher after all!