Changes in History

What is lost along the way

I’ve been working with a committee from my town of Union to plan the Sestercentennial – 250 years since it’s founding in 1774. We’re going to kick off the celebration this July and throughout the year we’ll have events that will culminate during a three day weekend, July 19-21. I’ve never been a big history buff but I love hearing stories from the past. Those of you who know me know that I love to get people together and celebrate so this is a chance for me to give back to the town that’s been so good to me since my husband and I moved here in 1980.

One of the highlights of the Sestercentennial will be digging up a time capsule that was buried 50 years ago during Union’s Bicentennial celebration. We have a list of items contained in the time capsule (blueberry cake included) that reflect life during the 1970’s. I’m guessing that about half of my blog readers weren’t born yet. We know approximately the location of the time capsule but there are lots of unknowns. Our instructions include “dig it up and rebury it” and it is buried “deep in the ground”. As you can imagine some of what we’re reading is left up to interpretation. With a crowd surrounding the location to watch the digging this could be problematic.

We’re fortunate that the members of our town’s historical society is a great collaborator and that there are many answers to questions well documented in 3 books that are available. We’re partnering with Union Elementary School knowing that this is a great opportunity to bring history alive in a hands-on and engaging manner. More on that in a later blog post.

Because of my work on the Sestercentennial (since September 2022), I’ve wondered about what I’m learning from the past and the accuracy of the information. It’s only as good as the documentation and the stories left behind. This has led me to writing this blog post about the bigger picture and accuracy of history. We know that visual art, music, and plays have documented part of our American history. With so much more attention recently on the white washing of history how do I know if what I’m reading, hearing and/or experiencing is accurate? School text books don’t always contain the truth or the whole story. Checking the sources of what’s on the internet is necessary. I read a piece yesterday about the history of Memorial Day.

Clubhouse, where Confederates held Union soldiers, held prisoner 1865 | Library of Congress. From Blight’s book: “at least 257 prisoners died, many of disease, and were buried in unmarked graves.”  

This is what I learned:

• Most Americans will say that May 30th is Memorial Day and they understand we take a day to honor servicemen and women, many of who gave their lives while serving our country. 
• The first Memorial Day was actually on May 1, 1865 when 10,000 people gathered in Charleston, South Carolina, most of them black and formerly enslaved citizens, to honor slain soldiers from the Civil War. They gathered at an old race track that had been used as a prison to rebury and make a proper cemetery for the U.S. Army soldiers who died. This is according to Pulitzer-Price winning historian David Blight.
• The Civil War was April 12, 1861 – April 9, 1865. General Robert E. Lee of the Confederacy surrendered his army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Virginia. It was the deadliest war in American history.

I know it can be difficult to find accurate information for students and how necessary it is for students to get the full picture. For this blog post I found information and educational resources at the National Archives, from this story on Medium, a video with Blight speaking about the Civil War and his book Race and Reunion, The Civil War in American Memory at Harvard University Press, and ABC News 7, Charleston. We’re fortunate in Maine to have Americans Who Tell the Truth to use as a resource that has unveiled truths and shared stories about some of our country’s history.

AI – Save Humanity?

Beginning conversations

Recently I joined a book group. I’ve never been part of a formal ‘book group’ (secret is out). I’ve never been interested and truth be told its only recently that I’ve been reading books at a very fast rate, now that my schedule allows. I like this book group for several reasons. It’s pretty non-traditional, no one book is read and discussed like in traditional book groups. Actually, its one of the reasons I decided to join the group. We gather over lunch monthly and each participant shares books, films, podcasts and other forms of stories and ideas. The participants are retired educators who have a keen interest in education and other interesting and sometimes challenging topics. At our April gathering we each shared a poem in recognition of National Poetry Month.

At more than one gathering the conversation has included AI – Artificial Intelligence. I’m certain as we learn more that the conversation will continue. I’m reading and learning about what AI is, where it is, and the potential impact on the world. A 60 Minutes episode from a couple of weeks ago provides foundational information that I suggest you take the time to VIEW. It’s very informative and important as educators that we inform ourselves.

You can google AI and come up with the definition but until you begin to ‘see’ and experiment with the online tools I’m not sure it will provide you with the understanding to consider the impact on education. For example, think about this: The sum of all human knowledge is online. AI is replicating the brain. What are the implications on education? What is the impact on art making? AI can solve problems in very little time compared to the brain. Is humanity diminished because of the enormous capability of AI?

Visual artist Jonas Peterson is creating art work using AI. His collection of art called Youth is wasted on the young is an amazing collection that is his way of celebrating the ‘old’ and a comment on ageism. He used fashion to highlight the personalities of older people. Jonas is a photographer but in this collection he uses AI to create scenes, the people and what they’re wearing. In his own words:

I give specific direction using words only to a program, lenses, angles, camera choice, color theme, colors, styling, backgrounds, attitude and overall look and the AI goes to work, it sends back suggestions and more often than not it’s completely wrong, so I try other ways to describe what I’m after, change wording, move phrases around and try to get the AI to understand the mood. It’s frustrating mostly, the AI is still learning, but getting any collaborator to understand you can be difficult no matter if it’s a human or a machine. After a long stretch of trial and error I get closer to a style and look I want and after that it comes down to curation, picking the renders I believe go well together, I start making it a series. To me the process is similar to that of a film director’s, I direct the AI the same way they would talk to an actor or set designer, it’s a process, we try over and over again until we get it right. Should I get all the credit? God, no, the AI creates with my help and direction, it’s a collaboration between a real brain and an artificial one.

You might be thinking or asking, is this really art? Do I want my students to use this in their art making? Here are some of my thoughts and questions. AI exists in the world. Microsoft introduced ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, in November 2022. Bard is a conversational generative artificial intelligence and was released in March 2023. How should educators learn about AI? Should we leave it up to students to teach us? I’m sure that this will be the next wave of education professional development offerings, in person and online.

Jonas Peterson said:

I’m not here to debate the process, I’m a professional photographer, writer and artist myself, I understand the implications, how this will affect many creative fields in the future. I’m simply using a tool available to me to tell stories, the same way I’ve always told stories – to move people. To me that is the point of this, not how I did it. Dissecting something will almost always kill it.

You can learn more about Jonas’s work by googling him and also at this LINK.

I’m sure I’ll circle back to this topic in future blog posts. If you have questions or comments that we can all learn from please don’t hesitate to comment at the bottom of this blog post. Thanks!

Congratulations Rob Westerberg

NHS Award

Rob Westerberg is one-of-a-kind! With the clearest of eyes he can look over his shoulder and see where’s he has been, learn from his mistakes, and build on the successes. And, no, this isn’t about him but all about his students learning and successes. We’re fortunate to have Rob, not just in the field of education, but in the classroom. When he speaks, we know it is not about some pie-in-the-sky idea. He’s not spouting wisdom from an ivory office down the hall or in another building on campus or from a state agency but it’s from his experiences on that day with his high school students. He continually asks “why” and seeks answers while analyzing actions. In his classroom he has paused, experimented, shifted, observed, listened, reflected, written and re-written curriculum and assessment. This ongoing process has created a teaching and learning environment that continues to excite Rob and his students are jazzed!

Those of you who are fortunate enough to know Rob as a teacher, colleague, conductor, musician, and/or friend know that he cares deeply about teaching and learning. Most importantly he is an amazing human being who cares about people, as evidenced from past and present student comments. He has a unique sense of humor that is remembered by students and colleagues. He doesn’t mess around with people who aren’t fully committed to high quality music education for all learners. Sure, he’ll cajole them, encourage and answer their questions but he’s not interested in wasting his time or theirs. He’ll walk away before becoming frustrated and accepts the individual or group’s thoughts and ideas as working for them. All the while with a smile on his face! His advocacy for arts education at the local, regional, and state level has been highly impactful. When Rob is not teaching he is spending time with family or exploring with a backpack on. He has climbed all 44 of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks; an impressive accomplishment!

Recently Rob was recognized for his teaching accomplishments receiving the 2022-23 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Music Educator Award. Rob is one of seven section recipients. Since 1989 the Outstanding Music Educator Awards have been presented by NFHS and 306 individuals have received section awards.

Some of the following information is taken from the NFHS awards page at THIS LINK.

Rob presently serves as the choral director at York High School where he has taught for nearly 25 years. Since beginning in education in 1988, his passion for music has helped students reach their full potential, and in 2004 played an integral part in getting a graduation requirement for music approved by the York school committee. York High School remains the only public high school in the Northeast to possess a graduation requirement for music.

Westerberg holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Keene State College and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Maine. As an educator, Westerberg has earned many awards, including the 2020 York County Teacher of the Year, the 2012 Maine Distinguished Choral Director, and the 2011 Carol Trimble Award for Exemplary Service to Arts Education.

In terms of leading students, Westerberg has overseen a variety of events and performances, such as the 2010 New Hampshire All State Treble Choir and the Maine Festival Chorus performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. His talents have also been used at choral camps like Laurel Music Camp as the high school choral director and at the Summer Youth Music Camp at the University of Maine from 2002 to 2016.

In terms of leading teachers, Rob is a founding member of the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative established in 2010 and has impacted the over 125 teacher leaders. He has worked extensively with arts educators and school districts across the northeast developing customized assessment strategies and proficiency based models of instruction. He is always willing to talk education and his insights are, as he likes to say are, ‘spot on’!

I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more for ongoing work in arts education. Thank you Rob for your life long commitment to teaching and CONGRATULATIONS!

Reading the Sunday Paper

Moved by articles

I enjoy sitting down by the wood stove on sunny Sunday’s to read the Maine Sunday Telegram. For a brief moment I like holding on to the real paper. During the rest of the week I catch the news online. Some articles encourage me to pause and reflect on a topic I’m familiar with and other times I learn something new. A recent Sunday was no exception but I did find a few more human interest type stories. Love that! All of them relate to education in some way and I’m certain that the stories about Amy and Jessica (below) made several teachers proud. As well they should be! Nothing compares to knowing that one of your former students is experiencing enormous success! I’d suggest finding the articles online but realize that can be tricky if you don’t have a subscription.

Amy Goodness and the Mill Studio Arts

Five years ago Amy Goodness of Saco opened Mill Studio Arts in Biddeford. Amy is an artist with a studio in the old textile mill. She paints on canvas, having loved creating since elementary school. She’s a graduate of Thornton Academy in Saco, ME and Maine College of Art & Design in Portland, ME. As many artists Amy knows that it can be lonely working in a studio all by oneself. Since art was her favorite class in school she decided to create a space for young artists to come and create with others. This has helped Amy’s life be a little less lonely. She started by offering weekend and summer vacation time slots for young people. The program has expanded to offering classes each day and she has a team of teachers who help. She said: “It is joy. You can feel the energy in the room, and its’s so fun. I feel like that just fills me up.” Sounds like it would be a really fun place for me to visit. Perhaps a road trip to Mill Studio Arts will be in my future.

Christmas Through the Ages

Fifteen years ago in the town of North Anson the public library needed funding to update their automated catalog. They came up with a unique idea for a fundraiser; selling tickets for a historical tour showcasing “Christmas Through the Ages”. Volunteers dressed in period clothing and toured ticket buyers the opportunity to see five homes. After five years they passed the idea on to the Kingfield Historical Society which then passed it to the historical societies of Phillips and Farmington. Farmington passed it onto Winthrop where it was held this year. The Winthrop Historical Society sang songs, offered food, and taught lessons about various eras of Christmas, from the Moravian celebrations of the 1740s to the postwar Christmases of the 1950s. Everyone enjoyed themselves and participants were happy to learn about their community in a hands-on way.

2007 Gorham High School graduate performs on Broadway

Jessica Ernest regularly performs as part of the ensemble in “Chicago” on Broadway. She is the understudy and has performed in the star role of Roxie Hart. It’s pretty exciting not only for Jessica but her parents. Jessica is from Gorham and when she was in elementary school she started performing in school musicals and community productions. She played Snow White as a demanding diva in a show called “Mother Goose, Inc.” Later in life she performed on cruise ships and as a Las Vegas showgirl. She’s worked hard to get to where she is now. Ernest was given two days notice that she would perform the star role of “Chicago”. Interestingly enough she hadn’t actually played the role with the other members of the cast, she only practiced with the stage manager and for her roommates. She was cast in 2017, now 33 years old and is doing 8 shows a week. The article mentions Jessica’s elementary music teacher, Janelle Doak, who was impressed by a ‘show-stopping number’ way back in elementary school called “I Want it All”. How fun it must be for Janelle, who is teaching at Great Falls Elementary School in Gorham, to see where Jessica is at this time.

Below: Photo credit Julieta-Cervantes – Jessica Ernest on state in “Chicago”.

Little change since Sandy Hook, 10 years ago, December 14

The last piece I’ll share is a sad one. All I know about the writer, Irv Williams, is that he is a grandparent of three children ages 4 to 8. I’m sure the topic is near to his heart because of his grandchildren. The piece is about Sandy Hook which took place 10 years ago. Twenty children and six teachers lost their lives that day. The children, if living today, could be starting their college applications. The teachers were the following ages when they died: 26, 30, 47, 29, 52, and 56. We can only guess where they’d be today. Through Mr. Wiliams lens “it seems that little has changed”. I can understand why he might see it that way since school shootings continue and mass shootings outside of schools in the US continue. I understand that he is referring to laws and policy’s and that our countries leaders are not effectively working together to put safety measures in place to protect children and adults. I do see many changes in schools to protect children and teachers. I believe that school systems, in most cases, are doing their part. Is it enough? I’m not sure that there is ever ‘enough’ that can be done to make schools totally safe. The reality of schools includes hundreds of variables. Something that is effective to help and support making schools safer isn’t the same for all school communities. On my visits to schools during a 15 year period many safety precautions have been put in place. Many of you reading this are well aware of the precautions.

The statistics are staggering:

• 398 schools shootings since 2000
• 321 people are shot in the US each day, 22 of them are young children and teens, 5 of them die
• that’s one entire kindergarten class every week

I vividly recall my visit to an elementary school in southern Maine. Within 15 minutes of my arrival to a kindergarten art classroom there was a planned lock down drill. The teacher quickly filled me in on what was about to happen. The alarm sounded and we quickly and quietly moved into the ‘art closet’, the door closed and locked behind us and the only light was the one from the teachers laptop. The children huddled closely to the light source because they trusted their teacher to keep them safe. Their little bodies were alive with tiny movements. In a whispering calm and reassuring voice the teacher helped them through that scary moment with kindness. My visit was within a year of the massacre at Sandy Hook. Tears come to my eyes just thinking of that experience.

In December was the 10 year anniversary of Sandy Hook. Mr. Williams’s article helped me to pause and remember the twenty children and six teachers whose lives were lost that day. I know that schools and teachers are continuously working to make schools safer. I appreciate and applaud those efforts. It’s past time for the leaders in our country to put their differences aside and do what is right for all children and teachers. I am hopeful!

November Gifts

Theatre – alive and well in Maine high schools

One of the best parts about November is that high schools across Maine provide opportunities for students to perform in theatre productions. The added benefits to our state are many! People of all ages can engage in stories, some old and classic, and some newer. The community including parents, children, seniors, retired folks and anyone who lives in the town where the school is located, as well as surrounding towns, have a chance to watch, listen and learn as teens take to the stage. There aren’t many opportunities during a school year for citizens to enter our school buildings. These performances can serve as advocacy for not only theatre programs but dance, music, and visual art since all of the arts are often utilized through the theatre production.

The skills and experiences gained through participation in theatre productions are not learned elsewhere!

CONGRATULATIONS…

…to all the high schoolers taking part in plays. I know that to give your best performance you have practiced for many days and weeks which amount to many hours while still keeping up with attending classes and doing homework. You’ve worked individually and with your peers practicing lines, your position on stage with how and where and when to move. You have collaborated with teachers, actors, light and sound students, costume and make up people. Your success relies on the commitment and cooperation of a huge number of people.

THANK YOU…

…to all the educators who give opening of their time after the normal school day to support the many students who participate in the theatre program. I know we have some Maine schools with theatre teachers who provide classes during the day that contribute to the production but most are doing this work after school. Your patience, kindness, and influence inspiring theatre students is amazing.

SUPPORT…

We know that it takes many people beyond the actors and teachers who help support the production in many different ways. Thank you to all of you lovers of the theatre and students who participate. I encourage everyone reading this blog post to attend a play going on at your local high school. Nothing like a full house to feel appreciated when performing!

The following are a few of the plays that are taking place in the next couple of weeks. If you are aware of others please email me at meartsed@gmail.com and I’d be glad to add them to this blog post. Thanks!

Thornton Academy, Saco presents The Odyssey. MORE INFORMATION!

Camden Hills Regional High School presents Mamma Mia! MORE INFORMATION!

Medomak Valley High School, Waldoboro presents Hello Dolly! MORE INFORMATION!

Waterville Senior High School presents Momma Mia! LEARN MORE!

Belfast High School present Grease. MORE INFORMATION!

Orono High School presents Mamma Mia! MORE INFORMATION!

Mount Desert Island High School presents Oliver! MORE INFORMATION!

Break a leg!

Remembering Jason Anderson

Maine has lost an arts education champion

We are fortunate in Maine to have had many arts education giants over the years. Some at the local level, leading conversations, at the regional level providing leadership and at the state level influencing conversations and policy. This week Maine arts educators lost a champion, an individual who had experience in all three arenas. Jason Anderson, age 41, passed away much too early. At the beginning of his career he taught music for 14 years in Vermont and Maine. His teaching experience plus his graduate degree in curriculum and instruction prepared him well for his employment at the Maine Department of Education (DOE). Jason started at the DOE not long before the outbreak of Covid and he rose to the challenges and provided multiple opportunities, clear communication and supported educators in every way possible. His ongoing work was done with enthusiasm and he was totally committed. Jason was greatly appreciated and will be missed!

Jason’s funeral is on Saturday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. at the Military St. Baptist Church, 308 Military St., Houlton. His obituary can be found at THIS LINK.

Jason Anderson
December 21, 1980 – October 19, 2022

Pride in Educators

Much to be proud about!

Debra and Rebecca

Arts educators need to, and do, advocate for Arts Education in many different ways. Hopefully, at the end of the day, the advocacy efforts change the access and equity to high quality Visual and/or Performing Arts Education for all students. Advocacy can heighten awareness of the ‘why’ of Arts Education. Efforts may relate to curriculum or assessment or scheduling or numerous other topics that impact an education in the arts. Sometimes we need to seek opportunities and sometimes we’re forced to advocate. And, other times an opportunity unfolds in front of us. Like the time I was on a 2 hours flight sitting next to my superintendent. I had the ear of the person who could make a huge difference in the arts education program. You betcha, I took advantage of the chance to have a conversation that included promoting arts education.

Two amazing arts educators recently had the opportunity to present about their programs. One a theatre teacher, the other, a music teacher. They had an audience that was filled with not only educators, Pre-K through higher education, but people from the business sector as well. I sat in the audience listening to them and chills ran up my arm and I could feel the pride fill my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I often think about how fortunate so many learners are for excellent arts education programs. It takes all of us to bring this magic to schools and school districts but without outstanding and qualified teachers in classrooms, goals fall short.

Congratulations to Rebecca Edmondson and Debra Susi for using your voices and representing all that is ‘right’ and ‘good’ about education. Rebecca is the K-6 classroom music teacher at Conners-Emerson School in Bar Harbor and the 2022 Hancock County Teacher of the Year and Debra is the theatre teacher at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield and the 2022 Somerset County Teacher of the Year. I am so proud and grateful for what each teacher is doing to represent all Maine arts educators. Both were selected as semi finalists for the 2023 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Maine Arts Education Partners in Leadership

Teaching Artists and Educators Invited!

This is a great opportunity to become part of a dynamic network of arts educators across the state of Maine. This year-long experience begins with a 3-day Summer Institute, held at a beautiful outdoor setting sure to jumpstart your leadership journey.

August 1-3, 2022. APPLICATION deadline June 23. There is no cost.

If you’re selected your role begins with the 3-day institute at Pilgrim Lodge, August 1-3.

MAEPL would love to build community with educators and teaching artists who know or have someone interested in arts integration. If you have someone in your building or your community or have partnered with someone in the past please have them attend this summer with you!

MAEPL recently moved from the Maine Arts Commission and is now a program of the Maine Department of Education.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• MAEPL information
• Maine Arts Assessment
• Resource Bank

QUESTIONS? Contact Iva Damon, Program Team Lead: MAEPLLeadership@gmail.com or ‪(802) 695-0198‬

August 1-3, 2022. APPLICATION deadline June 23. There is no cost.

SUMMER INSTITUTE LOCATION
Pilgrim Lodge is a camp run by the United Church of Christ of Maine on Lake Cobbosseecontee in West Gardiner, ME. This beautiful venue has cabins with electricity and plumbing, large indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, modern dining facilities, wifi in main buildings, good general cell reception, and recreation options including swimming, human-powered boating, and trails. 

PURPOSE 

The Maine Arts Education Partners in Leadership (MAEPL) is committed to developing and promoting high quality arts education for all. MAEPL operates on the premise of “teachers teaching teachers.” All of our design teams, institutes, and professional development opportunities offer/encourage collaboration.

‘This We Believe’ Statements outline our foundational beliefs and practices.  

COMMUNITY 

• Teacher Leaders: Maine Visual or Performing Arts Educators with a professional teaching certificate who teach an Arts discipline in a public or private school.  
• Teaching Artist Leaders:  Professional Teaching Artists in Maine with demonstrated experience collaborating within educational or civic environments to design and lead student-centered, values-driven residencies drawn from mastery of their artistic discipline.    

TRAININGS, COLLABORATION, & WORK  

MAEPL is built on an institute model, by application. There is a Summer Institute for Teacher Leaders and Teaching Artist Leaders. Returning community members are encouraged to participate. 

At the Summer Institute new Teacher Leaders and Teaching Artist Leaders will learn foundational practices in instructional design and leadership skills. Participants will take part in a variety of workshops focused on emerging needs in Arts Education professional development.  

Collaboration, networking, and the sharing of resources are an expectation as a member of the MAEPL community. During the Institute participants will develop an individualized growth plan that will be shared with others for feedback and suggestions.  

Throughout the school year, participants will continue to share how their individualized growth plan is developed and implemented, and they will have the opportunity to share at a Critical Friends Day, and with a thought partner. At the Winter Retreat participants review and reflect on the work done, and allow for time to get feedback to plan for the next Summer Institute.  

TEACHER LEADER/TEACHING ARTIST LEADER ANNUAL EXPECTATIONS

• Attend Summer Institute 
• Work with a thought partner 
• Develop a individualized growth plan 
• Share the outcomes of your individual growth plan within the MAEPL community and beyond (i.e. workshop, resource, video, article, etc.) 
• Share feedback and information about MAEPL through teacher leader stories and as part of your outcomes of your personal growth plan 
• Collaborate, network, and share resources 
• Participate in Critical Friend Day 
• Attend Winter Retreat

August 1-3, 2022. APPLICATION deadline June 23. There is no cost.

2022 Maine County Teachers of the Year

Congratulations!

The 2022 County Teachers of the Year were announced recently in Augusta at the State House. I love that there are so many teachers each year nominated who represent all that is ‘right’ with education. Each of us in the profession, no matter what our role is, should feel the pride!

I’m especially excited this year that there are two performing arts teachers; representing Hancock County is Rebecca Edmondson who teaches music at Conners-Emerson School, Bar Harbor and representing Somerset County is Debra Susi who teaches theatre at Central Institute, Pittsfield.

Hundreds of teachers across Maine are nominated by a member of their school community. The application process is rigorous, not a lightly designed ordeal, with a teacher selected from each county by a panel of educators and other individuals who are members of each county.

Maine County Teachers of the Year serve as ambassadors for teachers, students, and quality education state-wide throughout the year. The Maine County Teachers of the Year are available to make presentations to local and regional organizations. Throughout the summer, they will continue to participate in an intensive selection process. In the fall one of these sixteen teachers will be named the 2023 Maine State Teacher of the Year.

I’m sure the blog readers join me in congratulating all of the county teachers of the year, especially Rebecca and Debra!

The Maine Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Program is administered through a collaborative partnership with Educate Maine. To learn more about the Teacher of the Year Program visit: https://www.mainetoy.org/.

Insect Lab

Learning opportunity for teachers

Below is an invitation from Maine artist Mike Libby! Mike is a graduate of Bangor High School and is an amazing artist who established INSECT LAB. Now, he’s sharing his ideas with teachers. I encourage you to respond to Mike and join him on zoom during one or all of the sessions. What a super opportunity to consider how Insect Lab could be part of a lesson or perhaps your school curriculum.