In Act 1, we explored Betsaleel (Bets) Charmelus’s insights on transforming learning spaces, the importance of introducing novelty in education, and the critical role of trauma-informed practices. Bets challenged us to rethink how we prepare young people for a world that isn’t trauma-informed, emphasizing that the real impact comes when educators model resilience and adaptability. These foundational ideas set the stage for a deeper conversation in Act 2, where we shift focus from the classroom to Bets’s personal journey and the systemic challenges he’s faced.

In this episode, Bets shares his trajectory into his current role as CEO of ArtistYear, offering a candid reflection on the racism he has witnessed within the arts education field and in society at large. He discusses the difficulties of owning his hard-won position and title in a world that often seeks to either undervalue Black leaders. Bets also tackles the complexities of being a Black leader in a time when Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work is gaining prominence yet facing pushback from those resistant to change. This conversation delves into the intersection of personal experience and broader societal issues, providing our listeners with a powerful perspective on leadership, identity, and the ongoing fight for equity.

Episode 71, ACT 2: Bets Charmelus - Imagination in Action

JAMES MILES, Executive Director of Seattle-based Arts Corps / Master Teaching Artist, has worked in arts education for nearly 20 years. A graduate of Morehouse College and Brandeis University, James is the Former Director of Education at Urban Arts Partnership. He has also facilitated workshops and designed curriculum for the New Victory Theater, Roundabout Theatre, Disney Theatrical Group, Theatre for a New Audience, Center of Arts Education, BAX, Brooklyn Arts, Council, Opening Act and(Out)Laws & Justice. Follow him on Twitter @fresh_professor.

Ben Weber's Album

Episode 1: James Miles - Fresh Professor

Open Stomp: A Loop by Ben Weber

​In the second​ ​installment of​ ​"Arts Education - Learning, Celebrating, Advocating," Courtney talks with​ ​Lauren Jost,​ ​Founder and Artistic Director of Spellbound Theatre, and Penelope McCourty, Dancer, Choreographer and Teaching Artist about what fair and equal pay for Teaching Artists could and should look like, and so much more!

As a reminder, these conversations took place during the Face to Face conference back in April 2017! During that conference, Courtney caught up with a few of her friends who work in the field of arts education, capturing some fascinating conversations. Have a listen now!​

Episode 4, ACT 2: Arts Education - Learning, Celebrating, Advocating

In our latest episode, Courtney sits down with dancer, choreographer and Teaching Artist, Penelope McCourty to discuss her journey into and through her artistry. This episode, which considers the artist’s trajectory, asks the big questions: Do we choose our artistic path, or is our artistic journey thrust upon us and molded by outside forces? Is our artistry a product of conditioning or are we born with an innate sense of the talents we possess, needing only the freedom—the space—to explore and hone them? Listen to this fascinating episode now, and stay tuned! More episodes are on the way in 2018!

Episode 5, ACT 1: Penelope McCourty - Giving Space

In this two-episode series, Courtney chats with Lauren Jost, Artistic Director of Spellbound Theatre, about how she found herself immersed in the world of Teaching Artistry, theater making and arts advocacy. They also discuss such topics as Lauren's personal journey into the arts, discovering the power of the arts, finding her artistic voice and the intrinsic impact in engaging young kids in participatory, educational drama practices that give kids agency. Listen now! #artsmatter #TeachingArtistry Live. Love. Create. Advocate.
Look for more new episodes in the coming weeks!

EPISODE 7, ACT 1: Lauren Jost - Theater as Human Education

Our latest episode begins with a chat between Courtney and Daniel Levy, author of "A Teaching Artist's Companion: How to Define and Develop Your Practice," in which Daniel discusses the steps and missteps of creating a book meant to inspire Teaching Artists to aspire higher through their artistry and their approaches to arts education. 

Courtney also sits down for a chat with multi-disciplinary artist, Ali Santana (2019 award for ‘Innovation in Teaching Artistry’ from the Association of Teaching Artists), currently a Teaching Artist at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). In this chat, Ali talks about his artistic passions, where his arts training led him, how the perils of cookie-cutter art-making changed his artistic trajectory landing him in the world of fine art and inspiring him to incorporate education into his teaching practice.

Episode 29, ACT 1: Ali Santana - There's No Slash in Innovation

The world around us is in upheaval. It's changing rapidly. We are changing. Meteoric shifts are taking place. We are witnessing not a moment in time, but a movement. We believe this movement, this rebellion, is sure to change the course of humanity. We must lead with purpose, speak with intention and lift up our fellow human beings to their highest height so that their voices, so often silenced, are heard. Black Voices Matter. Black Stories Matter. Black Lives Matter. This episode is deeply personal and emotional. Using her proud, strong voice, Courtney examines her past and how her past experiences inform who she is today. She interrogates how her response to and actions within this movement will shape her future.

Episode 31, ACT 1: Courtney J. Boddie - One In Eight

Teaching Artistry blends creative and educational practice in service of community building, social justice, and inspiring joy. Courtney J. Boddie, Host and Creator, chats with teaching artists and arts educators who are driving professional teaching artistry forward. Courtney and her guests discuss personal journeys, celebrate triumphs and challenges, and advocate fiercely for the arts in all communities.

Episode 71, ACT 2: Bets Charmelus - Imagination in Action

Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie

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