FOR SCHOOL SPONSOR SITES

planning the residency

School Policies and Protocol

Share critical school policies and procedures with the Residency Artist and AIE Partner regarding: school entrance check-in and parking; safety and emergency practices; student behavior code/expectations; discipline guidelines; dress code; e-mail communication protocol with students.

  • Provide the Residency Artist with a school calendar, floor plan, staff contact list with phone numbers, lunch schedule, teachers’ prep room schedule, restroom locations, library/computer/printer/copier use, internet connectivity and any pertinent school procedures.
  • Make sure the Administrative Coordinator as well as the Teacher Liaison have the AIE Partner and Residency Artist’s contact information (home, office and cell phone numbers and e-mails).
  • Provide updates and changes as they occur.

Visual Arts Workshop at Artist/Teacher Institute
Visual Arts Workshop
at Artist/Teacher Institute

Professional Development Workshop

Teachers benefit by learning about, connecting to and appreciating content students learn through the residency and will enhance and sustain the experience by modeling the lessons for them. The Professional Development Workshop can enhance classroom teaching by expanding creative capabilities and by modeling techniques and arts integrated lessons. This hands-on, 90-minute to 3-hour workshop is open to all teachers, administrators and other staff, not only those working directly with the artist. At some sites, cafeteria workers, janitors and nurses have been eager participants. In addition to learning and practicing new arts skills and concepts, the workshop is also a forum for exchanging ideas, asking questions, sharing resources, and advocating for future arts education efforts at the site and in the community.

The workshop typically takes place in a large classroom or school media center before or after school or during an in-service day. Site administrators should announce the date and time well in advance. (It can be scheduled at a time designated as a regular staff meeting or in-service training session.) Determine the workshop focus and discuss the goals, expectations and evaluation with the Residency Artist. Share any special interests or particular ideas that the teaching staff may wish to address during the workshop. The Professional Development Workshop provides the opportunity for the Residency Artist to collaborate with staff to acquire and build skills that can support sustainability of the residency. (For professional development resources, see Resources: Links)

Music Residency at Mannington School, Salem
Music Residency at Mannington School, Salem

Supplies, Materials and Equipment

  • Review the residency budget with the Residency Artist and AIE partner to determine if supply allocation is sufficient.
  • Discuss and establish what supplies/materials and equipment are needed and determine how they will be secured.
  • Determine what purchases, if any, the Residency Artist might make and the procedure for site approval and reimbursement.
  • Ensure that vendors recommended by the Residency Artist are approved by the district if the school is purchasing supplies.
  • Establish a timeline for ordering and receiving all necessary supplies.

NOTE: Sites assume the total cost of supplies for residencies. Some materials and equipment—a kiln, watercolor paper, sewing kits, spiral notebooks—may be items the site already has on hand or may be donated through PTA/PTO contacts and local merchants. The Residency Artist and On-Site Coordinator should communicate closely in advance, so that all needed supplies/materials and equipment are on hand at the start of the residency.

Rooms and Workspace

The school should provide classroom/studio space appropriate for needs the of the arts discipline selected. A visual arts residency may need access to water and large tables; a dance or theater residency may require use of the gymnasium or multi-purpose room; a music residency may need storage space for instruments; and some residencies may utilize various audio/sound/computer equipment.

  • Tour the site and discuss the available working space with the artist to determine in advance any additional specific needs: chairs, tables, audio/sound equipment, computer/ Internet access, library research time, culminating event/display/performance area and storage space for supplies/materials, equipment, instruments or works-inprogress.
  • Provide the Residency Artist with a quiet space to work, store personal belongings or simply spend time between classes.