Call for Teaching Artists With Disabilities Fellowship Program
Application deadline: April 23, 2010
VSA recognizes the positive influence of the arts to advance teaching and learning in the classroom. Because a skilled teaching artist can foster creative engagement and help build an inclusive environment, VSA is seeking outstanding teaching artists with disabilities for the Teaching Artist Fellows program.
The VSA Teaching Artist Fellowship program seeks to identify, engage, and support teaching artists with disabilities in the visual and performing arts. VSA recognizes the value of teaching artists in integrating the arts into education. Teaching artists with disabilities also serve as role models of diversity, expression, and inclusive learning in the classroom.
Benefits to selected Teaching Artist Fellows will include:
* Professional development retreat in Washington, D.C., designed especially for teaching artists
* Subscriptions/memberships within the teaching artist network (i.e.,Teaching Artist Journal, Art Education, Teaching Theatre)
* Networking and teaching opportunities in Washington, D.C., and other areas (stipend and travel costs included)
* Enrollment in VSA Community of Practice, an online professional development Web site
* VSA Teaching Artist Fellows will serve as facilitators for our education programs and will be profiled in VSA publications.
Timeline
* Notification of all applicants by Friday, June 18, 2010
* Selected Teaching Artist Fellows must commit to attending the Teaching Artist Professional Development Retreat in Washington, D.C., held August 30–September 3, 2010
* Attendance at the VSA Start with the Arts Family Festival (spring 2011)
Who Can Apply
Open to artists with disabilities who have:
* Demonstrated experience working as a teaching artist in pre-K–12 classrooms within the past three years
* Familiarity with inclusive settings and educational standards
* Artistic achievement in visual or performing arts
* Ability to travel
PLEASE NOTE: This program is designed specifically for teaching artists. Classroom instructors (pre-K–12 and higher education) are not eligible for the fellowship.
Artists should demonstrate excellence in their chosen artistic discipline within the past year, as determined through their work samples and support materials (see application for examples of appropriate work samples and support materials).
A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. For more information about disabilities, please review VSA’s Disability Awareness Guide, located under Resources at www.vsarts.org.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following materials in the order listed:
* Completed application cover form
* Artist resume (three pages maximum). Be sure to list your academic background, colleges attended or to be pursued, and significant awards or honors held. Note both teaching and artistic experience.
* Application narrative (three pages maximum)
* Evidence of teaching and arts-learning experience (lesson plans, residency outlines, curriculum maps, etc.)
* Two letters of recommendation about your experience as a teaching artist. These recommendations should come from individuals who have witnessed your teaching experience (i.e., principals, teachers, colleagues, VSA affiliates). Submit all letters with the application materials; please do not mail recommendation letters separately.
Submitted materials will not be returned without a self-addressed stamped envelope with correct postage. Applicants should make and keep copies of all materials submitted. VSA is not responsible for materials lost or damaged in the mail.
Work Sample Instructions
Artistic merit will be judged through the work samples submitted, so be sure to select samples that best represent the quality of your work. Work samples that do not adhere to the following guidelines will not be reviewed.
Artists may submit up to TWO of the following work samples:
Visual Arts and Crafts
Submit 20 digital images of at least five works (PC format). Include an image identification sheet with the artist name, image title, medium, dimensions and the year the work was completed. If sending slides, enclose one set of up to 10 slides in a 9" x 11" clear plastic slide sheet. Label the front of each slide with your name, title, media, dimensions of artwork, and year created.
Music, Dance, Theater
Submit DVD, Compact Disc, or CD-ROM. Clearly label the cases with your name, dates, length of submission and total running time. CD-ROMs must be in PC format. Be sure to indicate the specific sections or tracks that you would like the committee to review. The panel will watch or listen to up to four minutes of work.
Publications, Articles, Research Papers
Please mark a selection of up to 10 pages that you want the panel to focus on. Clearly label each item with your name and the date of the publication.
VSA arts
818 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 628-2800 Voice
(800) 933-8721 Toll Free
(202) 429-0868 Fax
(202) 737-0645 TDD
Info@vsarts.org
