Teaching Artists play a pivotal role in transforming traditional educational experiences by infusing cross-curricular perspectives and cultural richness into the learning environment. As catalysts for creativity and innovation, these professionals embark on semester-long residencies, working closely with both staff and students to transcend disciplinary boundaries.

This winter/spring Angela Leonard, Victoria Krus, Lawrence Timm, and Alanna Gasper are seamlessly integrating physical education, ELA, choir, and cultural elements with dance. Guest Teaching Artist, Kimberly Crislip Jarvis is a dynamic inclusion to the team where the boundaries between art, science, and history are more fluid. This collaborative approach not only enhances academic understanding but also nurtures a deeper appreciation for diversity and cultural nuances among both educators and learners. Throughout the residency, the teachers become facilitators of holistic learning.

Teaching Artists are career artists who are also educators. Jarvis has been visiting schools with integrative movement and dance lessons for three decades. She explains, “Every residency is different. I’ve gotten to bridge literacy initiatives through dance, increase geometry scores with movement, and introduce cultural awareness to students. What is the same is that students are enthusiastic to add movement into the day in places they don’t expect they’ll dance.”

The Teaching Artist Residency at Cloverleaf kicks off the week of January 16, 2024. Kimberly Crislip Jarvis will be available during lunch times to meet teachers and brainstorm additional opportunities for collaboration. While her schedule is molded to work with four teachers, she’s happy to find additional ways to engage in additional arts learning sessions.

Thank you Ohio Arts Council for this opportunity!