It’s summertime and so many teachers are thinking about taking a class or two (along with going to the beach and catching up on some personal reading.) Today I’d like to take a few moments and go over some of the reasons I’ve heard people don’t think they should attend the retreat. And guess what? I’m going to debunk them! Read on, my friends…
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Attend the Teacher Art Retreat
1. You are already an arts teacher. (Implied: You already know this stuff or You already make time to get creative.)
Well, if there’s one thing artists and arts teachers (those who teach music, visual, PE, dance, etc.) don’t get, is the chance to take some arts-based professional development. Well, this is it! Come and share your talents, learn new skills, reinvent what you already do and get to network with other like-minded educators that VALUE your work!
2. You’re not artistic.
If there was ever an atmosphere to get creative without fear, this is it! The people who attend these retreats have a huge span of skills and all are so welcoming and supportive no matter where you are.
3. You want to take a break from classes this summer.
I get it. So do I. But if you were ever looking for a break in what you can get in a normal class, this is it! We create stuff, we have fun. This is professional development that is created with the teacher in mind. I know – I made it. And if there ever was an advocate for teachers enjoying the work they do, it’s me. This is as much for yourself as it is for your work with students.
4. You won’t learn anything that applies to what you teach or your position in the school.
You may be surprised at what you do learn while at the retreat. I promise you, you will come away with some ideas for your classroom or teaching space. Each day we will take time to reflect on what we have learned and apply it what you do specifically. In addition, you will learn more about the creative process and how that parallels itself to your students’ learning proceses as well. With all the wonderful people you will meet, a group brainstorm will prove to be very powerful!
5. You will be on vacation with your family.
Sorry, I’ve got no solution to this one. 🙁 We will miss you! (Although we did once have a school principal take a one day break from vacationing with family to visit us at the retreat…)
5 Reasons to Attend the Retreat
1. This is PD created for us!
I created the Teacher Art Retreat to be something I would not only learn from, but would throughly enjoy. I know you will too!
2. The workshops are different each year. (You can keep coming back!)
Every year, there is something different, but just as fun and engaging. This year, we will have workshops in puppetry, listening to music in the classroom, movement in the content areas and decoupage. Fun!
3. You will enjoy the food and the friendships.
Breakfast and lunch are provided and, well, so are the group of awesome people you will meet. I’m not kidding. I make new friends every summer!
4. You will get credit.
You will get PDPs for your time at the retreat. However, if you want, you can also register to earn some graduate credit. Check out the 1, 2 and 3 credit options we have available for local and long distance retreaters.
5. Your students will reap the rewards.
Whether you implement strategies learned from the retreat, or change the way you look at your curriculum, your students will certainly be inspired by your work (both directly and indirectly) at the retreat.
Boy, I hope I’ve convinced you to join us this summer. The registrations are coming and the line-up of retreaters is looking great! Don’t miss out.
~EMP
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