GT Conference

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Congratulations to the Maine Educators of the Gifted and Talented professional organization for a successful conference on Friday, October 21: The ‘Art’ of Technology: Inspiring Innovation in Advanced Learners. The planning committee and officers worked for several months planning an outstanding learning opportunity that focused on the arts and technology. The workshops included:

• How does the use of technology improve teaching and deepen learning? Terri Dawson, Co-Director of Sebago Educational Alliance for Professional Development and Technology Integrator, Gorham School Department
• Building and Strengthening your G/T Visual and Performing Arts Program – Beth Lambert
• Use Poetry to Enhance Rigor and Depth with GT Students – Ruth Lyons and Kimberly Moran
• Systemic Questions on GT Programming: MEGAT Board facilitation, open conversation
• Creating Digital Breakout EDU’s – Terri Dawson
• Collaboration: 2 STEAM Projects – Christine Carney and Adele Drake
• MakerSpaces on a Dime: STEAM Focused – Lindsey Carnes
• Visual Notetaking/Doodling in Class –
• Praxis II, Certification, Endorsement: MEGAT Session with Ruth Lyons
• Maine Landmarks, their Stories: an Art-based, Interdisciplinary, Community Unit – Ell Fanus and Jonathan Graffius
• Getting Started with ArcGIS Online: Hands-on Workshop – Margaret Chernosky and Erin Towns
  

  Karin being recognized by the conference participants after viewing her video. Photo by Jonathan Graffius

• MakerSpaces on a Dime: STEAM Focused – Lindsey Carnes
• Deepening Your Practice – Nuts and Bolts Session: Open Session, MEGAT Board facilitation

It was fabulous to see so many visual and performing arts teachers at the conference and the many Maine Arts Leadership Initiative Teacher Leaders – Lisa Marin, Lisa Ingraham, Charles Michaud, Pam Chernesky, Theresa Cerceo, and Brian McPherson. was thrilled to provide the morning keynote called Why the Arts Are Essential and grateful to have the opportunity to talk to such a diverse audience on the topic.

The biggest thrill of the day came just after lunch when we were treated to an amazing video on STEAM created by Karin Zimba from Hall School, Waterville. Her Doodle for Google creation was the Maine state winner and a finalist in the national contest last year. The MEGAT board recognized her for accomplishments. Congratulations to Karin and her sister whose submission was the Maine state winner in 2015. We’re hoping that Karin’s video will be made public in the future so others can appreciate her artwork and learn from her creation.

Karin’s winning design

Beth Lambert presenting

Ann Marie Quirion Hutton presenting