americorps teaching artist program
Since 2011, CityArts has placed paid volunteers into Providence public schools through its Americorps program. Each year approximately 25 teaching artists bring their idealism and talents to bring arts education to more than 800 students in low-resourced public schools. All AmeriCorps members participate in professional development and create a digital portfolio of their work in schools. Find out about past projects and teaching artists.
Teaching artists collaborate with classroom teachers during the school day and with the Providence After School Alliance after school. In 2017-2018, our partner schools are:
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Roger Williams Middle School
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Del Sesto Middle School
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Highlander Charter School
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Through this service opportunity, teachers and principals have access to:
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A network of diverse, young teaching artists who work in their classes
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Experience creating project-based units that integrate the arts into classroom curriculum
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School-wide arts programming that increases parent and youth engagement and develops positive school culture
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Opportunities for their students to experience the arts with practicing artists
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AmeriCorps members have the opportunity to learn how:
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Develop their art practice to help engage youth in learning
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Create hands-on arts projects in schools that support teachers
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Use the arts as a vehicle for social justice and positive youth development
Patrick Shea chose to spend his gap year as a Teaching Artist because he believes in "providing resources for strong, creative communities, and helping kids grow through the arts." In his year of service Patrick will contribute 1500 extra hours of school-day and after-school arts programming at Del Sesto Middle School in Providence.
"Our artist became a member of our class; she came consistently, even when she wasn’t working on a specific project with the students. She observed, took part in class discussions and even supported students academically."
- Participating School Teacher
