Arts in Education
ECCOTA is one of 14 Arts in Education (AIE) Partners in Pennsylvania and services Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean and Potter counties. The Arts in Education program enriches arts experiences in our community through classes led by professional teaching artists. Classes provide the opportunity for participants to spark their creativity, offer education and insight into Artist’s craft, and provide hands on experiences in arts creation. Arts in Education is meant for everyone of all ages and abilities to learn new skills or elevate existing talents. Our program offers exploration in a variety of mediums from painting, to graphic design, beekeeping, and even blacksmithing.
ECCOTA also sponsors the Poetry Out Loud national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country.
Imagine yourself gathered around a smoldering forge hammering against red glowing metal shaping an “S” from a once straight plank. Or perhaps gazing out the window recreating the snow landscape scene on a big canvas with the stroke of a brush. Or strumming the chords of a ukulele singing the words to a song you just learned to play. Stop imagining. With an AIE we can make these types of innovative learning experiences a reality!
What is a residency?
Schools, community organizations, libraries and other public and private organizations are welcome to become a residency host site. ECCOTA serves as the liaison between the host and artist to ensure a successful and rewarding program. ECCOTA staff assists with contracts, handles housing and travel arrangements, and collects and disperses all fees.
Residencies range from 10-20 days and are jointly funded by ECCOTA and the hosting education system. Business, community and government leaders are encouraged to provide valuable monetary support to help make this cost-effective, quality education available.
Artists are carefully screened, qualified and guided to work cooperatively with teachers. Their programs typically include engaging, memorable hands-on activities including dance, literature, drama, visual arts, music and theater.
Teachers agree that working with an artist in their classroom...
Inspires their students to be creative, conceptual thinkers.
Motivates their students to be actively engaged in their lesson.
Empowers their students with the creative tools necessary for 21st Century Learning!
““Our first graders asked if they could have school on Saturday to spend more time learning with the artist.””
I want to host a residency - what's next?
Choose a discipline that is of interest to you and your students. Dance, drama, visual Arts, music and theater can be incorporated into any curriculum. A directory of teaching artists can be viewed online, at right.
Contact our AIE residency coordinator, Cameron, at 814-772-7051 or cameron@eccota.com. ECCOTA will be responsible for contacting the artist, scheduling, negotiating, creating agreement contracts and making payments. We make travel arrangements and publicize your project. Our AIE team is available to work with you throughout the residency to ensure a most successful experience for all.
Determine your source for funding the required match. Typical sources include donations from local organizations (Lion’s Club, Moose, Civic Clubs), grant funding, your school’s PTO/PTA/PTG, a district budget line item, student or teacher activity funds, and fundraisers.