| Writing for Self-Discovery: Building Resiliency for Teachers and Students
Voices Breaking Boundaries offers workshops
that enrich literacy experiences for students as well as for
educators.
To register for our Spring 2010 workshop, please email Emily Sketch or download form (here) and fax it to 713 630 5210.
“I always knew my students had much to share but I wasn’t
aware of how talented and multi-faceted
they were—in so many art-forms, or how well they could present
themselves—until VBB artists started working with them”
Anita
Wadhwa, English Instructor, Lee High School
Through partnerships with arts therapists and arts educators, Voices Breaking Boundaries’ workshops train teachers to use writing as a reflective tool. Finding voice through the printed word and utilizing prompts to facilitate a sensory approach allows the writers-teachers to be more effective instructors of writing and expression. Involvement in writing enables teachers to understand the problems of a young writer and to suggest a range of strategies for success. The Writing for Self-Discovery and Building Resiliency for Teachers and Students Workshop (WSD) also provides a space for teacher fellowship and an opportunity to create a support network among fellow educators in Houston’s public school system.
The spring 2010 workshop will start on February 16, and be co-facilitated by Marcela Descalzi, a writer and educator and VBB co-founder, and Cathy Boswell, PHD. The workshop will culminate on April 18, with a presentation at VBB's east end live art production, Teachers Speak Out 2.
Dr. Boswell’s presence and experience gives teachers methods and strategies to understand students who have experienced trauma or been affected by the shifting demography in Houston as a result of global migration patterns; their war refugee status; displacement or by poverty, natural disasters, and/or homelessness; and family conflicts. Other benefits include:
- Teachers developing new strategies and curricular approaches;
- Teachers staying in the classroom rather than leaving due to emotional or psychological burn-out;
- Teachers learning how to use art to give students a voice;
- Teachers strengthening student-teacher relationships and creating safe environments so students are more ready to take risks while learning.
WSD Workshops are limited to 12-15 teachers per semester. Workshop attendance may be applied to Professional Development Hours required by HISD.
All teachers who participate in our workshops are given the opportunity to share their work/ concerns with a larger public at VBB’s annual East End Live Art show that we dedicate to teachers, their voices, and their writings.
VBB also offers high school and college multidisciplinary workshops for youth. For more information or to book a workshop, please call the VBB office (713 524 7821) or email Founding Director Sehba Sarwar. |
