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brazenskies · 1 year

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The Advantages of an International School Education in Canada

An international school education in Canada offers numerous advantages that contribute to a well-rounded and enriching educational experience. Firstly, international schools in Canada often provide a diverse and multicultural environment, fostering a global perspective and promoting cultural understanding among students. This exposure to different cultures and backgrounds allows students to develop open-mindedness and appreciation for diversity. Secondly, international schools typically offer rigorous academic programs that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is often designed to meet international standards, preparing students for global academic opportunities and future success. Additionally, international schools often provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and build well-rounded profiles. Moreover, these schools often have modern facilities and resources, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. Overall, an international school education in Canada equips students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives necessary to thrive in an interconnected world.

Cultural Diversity and Global Perspective

International schools in Canada offer a richly diverse environment where students from various cultural backgrounds come together. This diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive community where students learn to appreciate different perspectives, traditions, and languages. By interacting with peers from around the world, students develop a global mindset and gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our global society.

High-Quality Education

International schools in Canada are known for their high standards of education. They often follow internationally recognized curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge Assessment International Education. These rigorous academic programs focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning, preparing students for higher education and future career opportunities.

Language Proficiency

Many international schools in Canada offer bilingual or multilingual programs, providing students with the opportunity to develop proficiency in multiple languages. Being fluent in more than one language is a valuable asset in today's globalized world, opening doors to international employment prospects and fostering effective communication across cultures.

Global Networking and Connections

Attending an international school Canada allows students to build a vast network of friends, peers, and educators from different countries. This global network can be instrumental in establishing connections and friendships that can last a lifetime. These connections can prove beneficial in the future, offering opportunities for collaboration, international internships, and cross-cultural exchanges.international school Canada

Holistic Development

International schools in Canada place a strong emphasis on holistic development, focusing not only on academic excellence but also on the development of social, emotional, and personal skills. Through a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, music, and community service, students have the opportunity to explore their passions and talents, fostering well-rounded development and self-discovery.

Global Perspectives and Understanding

An international school education in Canada fosters a global mindset and intercultural understanding. Students are exposed to different cultures, traditions, and worldviews, enhancing their appreciation for diversity and promoting tolerance and empathy. This exposure enables students to become global citizens who are sensitive to global issues, ready to contribute positively to their communities and make a difference in the world.

Preparation for Higher Education

International schools in Canada are known for their strong track record of preparing students for higher education. The rigorous academic programs and emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and independent learning equip students with the necessary tools for success in university and college. Moreover, international schools often offer college counseling services to guide students through the university application process and help them explore a wide range of academic opportunities both in Canada and abroad.

Multicultural Learning Environment

International schools in Canada provide a multicultural learning environment where students can celebrate their own cultural heritage while appreciating and respecting others. This diverse setting fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, promoting cross-cultural friendships and fostering a global community. Students learn to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their teamwork and communication skills, and preparing them for success in a globally interconnected society.

Conclusion

Choosing an international school education in Canada can be a transformative experience for students. The advantages of such an education, including exposure to diverse cultures, rigorous academic programs, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities, create an ideal environment for personal growth and development. By attending an international school in Canada, students not only receive a high-quality education but also gain the skills and global perspectives needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. The multicultural atmosphere and emphasis on critical thinking and creativity prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving global society. An international school education in Canada provides students with the tools they need to excel academically, embrace diversity, and become responsible global citizens.

#international school Canada

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joselyndumas · 4 years

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World Teachers’ Day - 5th October 2020 Theme - “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future” HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS DAY TO ALL OUR TEACHERS The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world. It is no exaggeration to say that the world is at a crossroads and, now more than ever, we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic. #WorldTeachersDay #Education #LeadingInCrisis #ReimageningTheFuture #WorldTeachersDay2020 #ILO #UNICEF #EducationInternational #UNESCO #Teacher #TeachersDay #TeachersDay2020 #TeachersAppreciation ---------------------------------------------------- At #JoselynDumasFoundation (Formerly known as #JCDFoundation ), it is our commitment to support existing efforts at enhancing the lives of #Children of #Ghana and Africa at large. Led by @Joselyn_Dumas with a vision to reach out through educational partnerships geared towards #EveryChild . A responsibility and contribution towards making a great and strong haven for the future of #NeedyChildren for #EveryChildMatters (Visit our website in bio for more information) #JoselynDumas ViolenceAgainstChildren ChildAbuse ChildrenHealthCare #ChildrenEducation ChildrenSafety #ChildDevelopment ChildrenInNeed #ChildSocialCare ChildProtection #ChildrensRights #EndPoverty YouthEmpowerment WomenEmpowerment GirlChildEmpowerment BoyChildEmpowerment ClimateChange #EmbracingPossibilities #JDFoundation #RightsOfTheChild #RightsOfChildren #Education https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9meD2pAbt/?igshid=s95ql249ixyj

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tidydeskproject · 4 years

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World Teachers’ Day - 5th October 2020 Theme - “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future” Amid #COVID19, teachers have helped provide remote learning, support vulnerable children, re-open schools, and more. We thank them for all their hard work on today's World Teachers Day, and every day. #WorldTeachersDay #Education #LeadingInCrisis #ReimageningTheFuture #WorldTeachersDay2020 #ILO #UNICEF #EducationInternational #UNESCO #Teacher #TeachersDay #TeachersDay2020 #TeachersAppreciation . . Charis Jadlen Consultancy's objectives are to help small businesses (#BProject) and social impact organizations (#SIProject) keep their vision fulfilled and to provide solutions for individuals seeking to grow their careers (#IProject) ______________________________________________ #CharisJadlenConsultancy #CharisJadlen #CJConsultancy #CareerGrowth #SMEs #SocialImpactOrganizations #BusinessStartUp #BusinessTraining #TransformationalLeadership #Employability #TransformationalEntrepreneurship #StrategyImplementation ProductMarketing ServiceMarketing StrategicBusinessPlanning TailoredTrainingProgramme CompetitiveAdvantage CorporateRepresentation ServiceQualityManagement Vision Goals Mission Values SocialImpact #SocialGood NonProfit https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9obC-pAOS/?igshid=1m28v050sm319

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charisjadlen · 4 years

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World Teachers’ Day - 5th October 2020 Theme - “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future” Amid #COVID19, teachers have helped provide remote learning, support vulnerable children, re-open schools, and more. We thank them for all their hard work on today's World Teachers Day, and every day. #WorldTeachersDay #Education #LeadingInCrisis #ReimageningTheFuture #WorldTeachersDay2020 #ILO #UNICEF #EducationInternational #UNESCO #Teacher #TeachersDay #TeachersDay2020 #TeachersAppreciation . . Charis Jadlen Consultancy's objectives are to help small businesses (#BProject) and social impact organizations (#SIProject) keep their vision fulfilled and to provide solutions for individuals seeking to grow their careers (#IProject) ______________________________________________ #CharisJadlenConsultancy #CharisJadlen #CJConsultancy #CareerGrowth #SMEs #SocialImpactOrganizations #BusinessStartUp #BusinessTraining #TransformationalLeadership #Employability #TransformationalEntrepreneurship StrategyImplementation ProductMarketing ServiceMarketing StrategicBusinessPlanning TailoredTrainingProgramme CompetitiveAdvantage CorporateRepresentation ServiceQualityManagement Vision Goals Mission Values SocialImpact SocialGood NonProfit https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9n44Dp_df/?igshid=1xp7unkf6nwq1

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scdawarenessghana · 4 years

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World Teachers’ Day - 5th October 2020 Theme - “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future” Here’s a big shout out to all teachers across the world -- for their unmatched dedication to future generations in times of crisis and always. Join us in saying THANK YOU! #WorldTeachersDay #Education #LeadingInCrisis #ReimageningTheFuture #WorldTeachersDay2020 #ILO #UNICEF #EducationInternational #UNESCO #Teacher #TeachersDay #TeachersDay2020 #TeachersAppreciation . . #SickleCellDiseaseAwarenessGhana is a nonprofit project which educates on #SickleCellDisease (#SCD) and focuses on the need for support for treatment in #Ghana. #SickleCell is an inherited condition that currently affects many lives worldwide. #SCDAwarenessGhana because it matters❗ _____________________________________________ A #CharisJadlen #SocialImpact Project (#SIProject), a #ThinkMahoganyCSR . #SickleCellAnemia #ILoveSomeoneWithSCD #SDG2 #HealthAndWellbeing #BecauseItMatters https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9pBUoD-Nm/?igshid=vq8s1048byhb

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zerohungerghana · 4 years

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World Teachers’ Day - 5th October 2020 Theme - “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future” The day provides the occasion to celebrate the teaching profession worldwide, take stock of achievements, and draw attention to the voices of teachers, who are at the heart of efforts to attain the global education target of leaving no one behind. #WorldTeachersDay #Education #LeadingInCrisis #ReimageningTheFuture #WorldTeachersDay2020 #ILO #UNICEF #EducationInternational #UNESCO #Teacher #TeachersDay #TeachersDay2020 #TeachersAppreciation ____________________________________________ Our campaign "CHANGING LIVES 1 PLATE AT A TIME" is for our ongoing mission to contribute to the wellbeing of the vulnerable via giving them access to safe, healthy and nutritious food, ending hunger! And advocating to develop poor communities, ending poverty! With your donation of just GHS 5, you can help provide a meal for a person in need. #EndingHunger #EndingPoverty with #ZeroHungerGhana ____________________________________________ Zero Hunger Ghana (#ZHG) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization contributing to the wellbeing of the #Vulnerable (mobilised beneficiaries) in society (#Ghana, West #Africa). DONATION CHANNELS FOR ZERO HUNGER GHANA Mobile Money Donations: MTN MOMO PAY - 610872 ZERO HUNGER GHANA or MTN MOMO NUMBER - 0247 239 702 Reference: Kindly State Your Name Bank Deposit in Ghana: Account Name: ZERO HUNGER GHANA Account Number: 0100191581900 Bank: STANDARD CHARTERED BANK Branch: INDEPENDENCE AVENUE BRANCH Products/Nonmonetary Donations, Contact Lillian on +233 54 012 2720 _____________________________________________ A Charis Jadlen #SocialImpact Project and a #ThinkMahoganyCSR #ZeroHunger #ZeroHungerGhana #EndHunger #EndPoverty #SDG2 #FAO #UNFAO FAOGhana #WFP WFPGhana ZHGWeMove ZHGCelebrates2ndYear ZHGWorldFoodDay ZHGWorldFoodDay2020 WorldFoodDay WorldFoodDay2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CF9nH8eJE5l/?igshid=yatmnofbuqyt

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ocxeeltd · 4 years

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Explore Australia with us.

#study #student #studentlife #studentlifestyle #studentforlife #accommodation #studyabroad #adventure #studyinaustralia #travel #internationalstay #educationinternational #studyoverseas #travelling #visa #studyvisa

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baxarts · 5 years

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Education and Opportunity: Interns share their stories

April 2019 Maya Gonzalez

Throughout the year, BAX hires two interns to work in the Education Department: a Community Outreach/YouthWorks Intern, hired to help facilitate our YouthWorks Festival & Teen Arts Conference and assist with our public school partners/teachers in residence as part of our Arts in Education programming, and an Education Intern, chosen to work closely within our walls and with our teachers and students on a day-to-day, internal basis, assisting with classes, student concerts and the like.

BAX strives to bring people who are transparently moving through the world in socially equitable ways into the community. This mirrors BAX’s work with organizations like the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB) and Race Forward. Our staff members attend meetings, seminars, and workshops dedicated to developing and improving upon racial and social equity within organizations, especially through the lens of serving the arts community.

Two of our interns for the 2018-19 Education season are Brooke Rucker (Education Intern) and Charlie Fischetti (Community Outreach/YouthWorks Intern). At this point in our season, Brooke has left after being here from August through January, and Charlie has just extended his stay with us to continue working with BAX until this summer. The two had a slight overlap, however did not work side-by-side on a lot of the same projects, as they have had different timelines here.

Above: Charlie Fischetti, Community Outreach/YouthWorks Intern.

Below (L to R): Roxy Gordon, Education Assistant/Birthday Party Coordinator, and Brooke Rucker, former Education Intern.

Charlie, Brooke and I recently sat down for a quick sip at a café nearby BAX. On a sunny day, we had a joyful little reunion (as neither Charlie or I had seen much of Brooke since January). We settled in for a moment, grabbed some coffees, and got into it.

What was your general experience throughout the season working at BAX?

BR: BAX’s principles of racial equity and gender equality were already aligned with what I was interested in. [And] then being with the Education Department, I was really able to start practicing these things, especially with children, because they’re already so young, and still so impressionable…I began to really start to notice the language I was using with children through that lens. When I entered [this position] at BAX those were the conversations we just kept having: how are we engaging with these kids, and how are we engaging with these parents?

CF: Yeah, I had the same sort of experience. All of my admin work became informed by those values and I kept kind of going back to them, in things that are beyond, like, strict data entry.

We got into discussing the differences between having these kinds of conversations with kids and adults. Something we’ve all started to notice when working with or around children is that they are often much more intuitive about these things than we might have expected them to be. And yet along with that, we’ve all witnessed or heard about moments where their learned social conventions are challenged and we see a glimpse of curiosity, or are met with questions rather than confirmations. It’s quite eye-opening to think about this comparatively between conversations we’ve had with adults and with children.

BR: I feel like it’s so engrained in us…like we don’t even realize how deeply our gender roles live in us…I remember reading [a teacher]’s post, and they were talking about how they were trying to introduce themselves to their students: you can call me, you know, Ms., Mr., Mx., it’s like those little things you don’t even think about, like when introducing yourself; what do the kids, you know, call you?

CF: And the teachers have really good insight into those things… gender is something that affects everybody, and race also affects everybody, but people often only think about those things affecting people who are marginalized by gender and by race. But it really is a part of everybody’s experiences, and I think [it’s important] if you have privileges or disadvantages, to bring those up; that [privilege] doesn’t mean you can’t talk about it and that it doesn’t affect you.

I find these conversations easier to have with kids [than adults].

We began recalling moments we’ve encountered where kids say things or respond to prompts in a conventionally gendered manner. For example, asking kids to assume a character and noticing that all the girls chose feminine archetypes, like princesses or fairies, and all the boys chose more masculine archetypes, like superheroes. How do we approach and respond to these moments?

CF: It’s not like you can’t be princesses, but think about the other options!

BR: I feel like it’s more like, opening their awareness; like its ok if you wanna be this, but you can also be this too, it is acceptable.

CF: I think especially in creative things, especially with kids, it really reveals a lot about things that kids are learning and are exposed to at early ages. And it’s never too early to talk about those issues, because they’re already being exposed to it… Yeah I mentioned something, about having a boyfriend once; this kid was like “my hair is purple,” and I was like, “oh yeah that’s my boyfriend’s hair color,” and a lot of the kids were like, alright that’s fun, but then there were a few who kind of challenged me on it, or would say, “that’s weird,” and I said, “why is it weird?”

What as individual people did you bring to the table in your position?

BR: For me, it’s definitely being a black woman. I feel like anywhere I go, when I’m entering a space, bringing that, is like bringing everything. I think it was great for kids to get to see that in the space; black kids and white kids, because I feel like we are always “oh the black people, you know cater to the black kids and they’re their role models, but it’s also important for the white kids to be able to see that black people are in these positions [and spaces].

CF: I’ve brought more video and photo knowledge, and I think that has extended beyond education, which has been really fun. I’m working towards making changes in how…especially in education, like opening up documentation conversations with young kids, like there’s no correct answer but I think having sort of base line, ethical rules is a good place to start, ‘cause it can get, complicated and voyeuristic and seem like taking advantage when that’s obviously the opposite of what we’re trying to do.

And also as a trans person, I’ve been enjoying navigating that, especially since this is my first work experience where I don’t have to—people will gender me correctly if I don’t say anything, so it’s interesting, now I have the option to bring it up. I’ve not always been in spaces like that. And I think there’s also a balance between wanting to be a representation for kids but then also knowing that my experience is still a slim representation of the trans experience, so I think having other trans and gender non-conforming people in the space has been great, because I’ve always been like, the trans person in the space.

What were some challenges/questions you came up against?

BR: I think for me, my only challenge, per se, was that I didn’t know how to advocate or ask for more, ‘cause there were some times where I felt like I wanted to take on more or I wanted to learn more in the admin world. Everyone is super busy, and you don’t always have time to just sit down and teach someone things, but looking back at it now, I wish that I would have. Because that’s what the internship is for, like for you to learn from this organization. I don’t know if it’s necessarily categorized as a challenge, but just looking back it’s something that I wish that I would have done more of.

CF: Yeah, I think the fact that my internship has been extended now, going in I wanted to be more involved with marketing, and that is happening now, which is really great. Cross-departmental collaboration and things like this [are some things] I think a lot of organizations struggle with.

I didn’t really have any experience with kids before, so I think that was one of my biggest—I don’t know if challenge is even the right word, it was just new for me. There’s no like, if this situation happens, here’s what to do, you just, gotta roll with it…sometimes kids come up with things and I’m [not sure] how to respond.

Highlights, favorite part of your job, any moments that stood out?

BR: I do have this one moment. For [two of our After School Pick Up students, we’ll call them Ella and Jake for these purposes], their parent personally spoke to me when I first started picking them up and requested that I hold their hands, when we cross the street. So [Ella] like, always would hold my hand, like she loved holding hands but you know, [Jake] wasn’t really about it. [Laughs] So anyway one day we were walking back and I had Ella’s hand and all of a sudden, I felt this hand, reaching for mine, while we were crossing the street, and it was [Jake]; he had just put his hand in mine and I was like, my heart right now! [Chuckles] I was like, “don’t say anything Brooke, just keep walking.” [Laughs]

CF: In YouthWorks, there were these two kids waiting for their dress rehearsal, it was maybe a day before the show, and this one girl was really panicking like, “oh no I don’t know my lines, I don’t know the positions…” and I just leaned down and sat with her and was just said like, “Well, what can I do to make you more comfortable?” I really didn’t try to impose; I just said, “Communicate to me your needs,” which I think is an important practice for kids. We kind of talked through what her actual worries were; because sometimes kids will say something but they actually mean something else, but they don’t know that they mean something else. We worked through communicating her actual needs.

Pieces of advice for the next person stepping into your position?

BR: I told Aviya [our current Education Intern] to take agency in the position, to make it her own. Go in there to help, but also to take. Take everything that you can, and don’t feel bad about really showing that you’re hungry and you’re really doing this to feed yourself.

CF: I think both of our positions, there are definitely tasks that you have to do throughout, but don’t be afraid to go beyond those, and bring your experiences, your passions…everything is valuable, and being honest about what you need is important, whether that is being underwhelmed or overwhelmed. I’ve always felt like if there is too much on my plate, [at BAX] I feel comfortable going to somebody and asking for that, asking for prioritizing certain things which has always been an issue for me, I’m usually just like, “well I’m just gonna handle it on my own and try to do all of it. But that’s unhealthy…it’s a point of growth.

BR: it was a really great internship. And it came exactly when I needed it. I had just moved to New York, and I was just looking for something to grab a hold of, and it popped up; and I met so many people through it who have now become my community.

CF: BAX really is the intersection of a lot of organizations.

Brooke is currently working as Visioning Partner Assistant for Urban Bush Women, and writes for her blog, (Brooke)lynn. Check out her work on her website: brookerucker.com.

Charlie will be joining us as a Lead Counselor for our Summer Arts Program. This year, he was an Assistant Cameraperson for "Overstigmatized 2: The Stigma Stops Here," a feature-length thriller produced by Global Action Project about the role of criminalization and police violence towards trans womxn of color. (see the trailer HERE). This summer he will also be resuming production as a cinematographer for a film directed by his friend Ashley Turzio. It's the story of a single immigrant mother who leaves her child behind and moves to New York to give her child a chance at a better life.

Brooke and Charlie are pictured here on the right, along with BAX’s Education Director, Lucia Scheckner, Education Manager, Ashley Renee Thaxton-Stevenson, and current Education Intern, Aviya Hernstadt.

#baxyouth #baxarts #interns #process #mybaxstory #educationinterns #artseducation #education

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osumuseumofart-blog · 6 years

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Visiting Artist Workshop with Betty Busby

The July New Techniques with Paint workshop at the OSU Museum of Art, featuring Betty Busby, was my first full experience of facilitating a workshop.

I have had a small amount of exposure to fiber arts, having grown up with a grandmother who taught me to sew and an aunt who has explored many different art mediums. This workshop gave me a deeper understanding of different approaches to fiber art. I learned so much about fabric painting and designing from Betty, Gale, and the eighteen ecstatic workshop participants.

When we were first introduced before the workshop, my initial connection with Betty was through our backgrounds in ceramics. Betty founded a custom ceramic tile manufacturing firm in Los Angeles after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design with a Fine Arts degree in ceramics. Twenty years later, she sold her business and changed her focus to fiber arts. Betty was very encouraging to me as a young artist- sharing her experiences with how to find a way to make a living while doing what you love.

The workshop began with the participants learning how to paint their own fabric, using silk and cotton. Painting fabric begins with wetting the material and choosing to use texture materials or folds in the fabric to achieve various coloring results. Everyone was amazed to learn that Betty painted right onto the fabric. Betty demonstrated how to incorporate even more texture and color using paint sticks, ink pencils, brown paper, and texture templates. After learning the basics of fabric painting, the workshop participants were free to experiment even further and test the limits of painting fabric.

At the beginning of the workshop, Gale Oppenheim opened with these words: “This workshop is not a place to be perfect, you can play here then go home and be perfect.” I think that is a true testament to all art practice; sometimes you have to be messy and color outside the lines in order to grow.

Megan Patterson graduated from Oklahoma State University in May, with her BFA in Studio Art. She has served as an Education Intern at the OSU Museum of Art for the past two years.

#osuma #okstate #museum education #educationintern #bettybusby

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leonardovivona · 7 years

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#work #video #photo #group #integration #africans #italians #school #project #educationinternational #ei #leonardovivonafoto #nikon #D500 #salemi (presso Salemi)

#photo #school #africans #work #group #project #educationinternational #italians #d500 #nikon #salemi #video #leonardovivonafoto #ei #integration

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pedagogyandpandemic · 4 years

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stubfeededucation-blog · 5 years

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Education International Education Internat... New publication in StubFeed.com/education from facebook.com/educationinternational Come to see more... stubfeed.com • #stubfeed #stubfeededucation #education * stubfeed.com/facebook.com/educationinternational http://bit.ly/2SbAETI

#IFTTT #stubfeed #stubfeededucation #education

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ibtimesuk · 7 years

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A peek into the future of human societies will make climate change predictions better

The data to picture the basic structure of future societies is already available. http://dlvr.it/NVx6Hr

#climate/changeworld/populationinternational/developmentsecondary/educationinternational

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baxarts · 5 years

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Intern Stories: Aviya Hersntadt, Spring 2019 Education Intern

Maya Gonzalez June 27, 2019

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with our 2019 Education Intern, Aviya Hernstadt, and reflecting upon her time with us this year. Throughout the year, we had worked alongside each other at various BAX Youth Education events. I’d gotten to know her, and recognize the countless things she’s done to support the BAX community throughout her time here. We grabbed some coffees, found a sunny spot outside, and got to talking.

When did your internship start?

AH: I officially started in the beginning of February, with a two-week overlap training period with Brooke [our former Education Intern] at the end of January.

How would you describe your role in the EDU Dept. as an EDU Intern?

AH: So many things. I’d say it definitely requires wearing a lot of hats; for me I think the biggest part of the role is After School Pick Up and spending time with the kids on, you know, the weekday afternoons that I’m there, and Saturdays. Saturdays also include making connections with parents, and getting to know all of the families at BAX, which has been really cool ‘cause Saturdays are less structured; it’s pretty much just me and Roxy [BAX Education Assistant], sometimes a few other people, in terms of admin; so it’s really nice to do your own work then get to know families and provide support there for BAX.

And then on the admin side, it’s kind of filling in all the gaps, I would say, which gives me a little taste of everything; like just a kind of peek into every aspect of Education planning and everything that goes into that.

This conversation turned into a comprehensive review of the inner workings of the Education Department:

AH: Both Lucia [Scheckner, Education Director] and Ashley [R. Thaxton-Stevenson, Education Manager] supervise me and they have different roles so that’s also been interesting; learning the difference between their roles; between what a Manager and a Director is, and the type of work that goes into that and the kinds of decisions that are made on each level. Seeing Lucia work and thinking about the decisions that she makes has made a big impression on me; she decides so many big picture things that trickle down into so many details; and when the details come to me it’s easy to not see that big picture part of it. It’s interesting to think about that trickle-down of information and decision-making; and to witness what it takes to run a performing arts school. A lot of what BAX does was established before Lucia and Ashley stepped into these roles, but its constantly being re-thought, it’s not like they’re just repeating what past employees have done.

I’ve been a part of a lot of different conversations at BAX that have given me a taste of these processes. For example, after the Teen Arts Conference, Lucia, Ashley, Charlie [Community Outreach/Youthworks Intern] and I all sat down and discussed how the conference went, what worked/didn’t work, and what it all means for the future of the Conference.

Is there a project that sticks out to you that you worked on during your time at BAX? Any projects that you really enjoyed working on?

AH: Yes. In the waiting area on the second floor we have this inspiration board. There’s always some kind of engagement project on it. The most recent one, that’s still up there, was made during NYCDOE’s Civic Engagement Week. The week is about encouraging schools to have conversations with their students, asking questions like: what it is to be an active citizen? How can you help your community? We kind of BAX-ified this idea; we designed a project around the questions: What does it mean to be an active member of your community/how have you uplifted your community, who are some leaders in your community/ what communities are you a part of (your school, BAX, your religious center, your neighborhood, your family?) And kind of popping those kernels of what you can do to uplift your community. So when we first did it, I created and left out a mostly blank poster; I wanted to frame it as like a BAX community poster. I had some kids working on it in After School Pick Up, just kind of asking them different questions and encouraging them to draw something or write a story to add on to the poster. It didn’t really take off that way, so during Spring Break Charlie and I led a lesson plan with each age group (NanoBAXers; K-2nd graders and Mega/ GigaBAXers; 2nd-5th graders), prompting them to sort of write or draw something. We kind of hodge-podged it all together and it became this awesome poster. And that was a really cool moment. We had a really successful lesson plan; we started the conversation, then broke up into groups, and we framed it around one story they had when they helped their community, or someone in the community helped them, kind of making the simplest possible version of asking these questions of how we can support our community members.

As an arts educator it’s always nice to get more experience and to, you know, lead a structured activity, especially within the structures that BAX provides, and to get feedback on it. BAX is definitely the kind of educational environment that I want to be in.

Let’s talk a little more about the process leading into you starting here at BAX/how did you find us?

AH: BAX was somewhat on my radar; I took classes at BAX in high school; I performed at BAX once. So when I moved back home after graduating college, I found Dance to the People. I was in a piece with Maira Duarte [BAX in-house teacher and co-founder of Dance to the People], The Tampon Piece, and we had all our rehearsals at BAX, so I was around the building once or twice a week. I remember looking at a board and seeing that there was a Drag class for kids and I was just like, this is awesome! What is this place? And that really got my gears turning. Then I saw that they had a job posting for this internship.

Interns are invaluable at BAX. We have so much going on all the time and it’s so helpful to have people there who can sort of be around and be present for that and also be supportive pillars of it.

What as an individual do you feel you have brought to BAX?

AH: My independent study project has been looking at our language accessibility at BAX. I speak Spanish, and when I first started interning here, every once in a while I’d be sent an email that needed to be translated to Spanish.

It really got started when we got a new Spanish speaking family in the spring and I was the only person in the Education Department who could interact with them and translate meetings, e-mails and paperwork. So I started to wonder – do we have any systems in place for this?

At different points there have been people in the office who speak Spanish and it pretty much always just works out. The Education assistant before Roxy (current Education Assistant) was a native Spanish speaker so she was doing all of this work, but it was kind of invisibilized because she was just doing it, and there weren’t other people checking or directing it because it was work that she was the only one able to do. What does it mean to have one person on staff who is taking on all of that work?

I’ve taken on the project of looking at similar institutions and seeing what their practices are, what kind of accessibility they have, and then thinking about what’s realistic for BAX in the short term, and speaking with staff to identify some pipe dreams that we have for the long term. So that includes talking to Lucia, Ashley and Fernando [Maneca, Marketing & Communications Director], and also translating specific documents; simple e-mail templates in Spanish that can be dated and sent out at different occasions.

It’s been really cool to be able to provide that service for BAX, interacting with families and putting effort into working with the families that don’t speak English. As much as all of our staff feels so strongly that all families are a part of this community, there’s a barrier there in relaying that message. I’m not a native speaker by any means, I feel confident in my language abilities but I am humble with that. Of course I can’t say everything; it would be helpful to have a native speaker on staff.

Challenges?

AH: Working with kids can be the most refreshing, light-hearted, easiest thing and then one question can kind of throw you into a tailspin: how do I answer this, what’s my place in answering this. There have been a lot of those moments, of like ok what does this child need, how can I serve them, can I serve them, or do they just need to be alone. I think it’s about giving the kids respect, hearing out all sides, being able to say something constructive and something reaffirming to each kid involved.

It’s been rewarding getting to know the individual kids that I spend time with at BAX. I really care about them, I’m sad to leave this position. I’ll be a counselor this summer so I’ll see a lot of them; but it’s just been really special getting to know them.

And on the administrative side, I’ll have ongoing projects that take a few days, I have reoccurring projects, like something I do on a weekly basis, an then I ‘ll have short-term projects that take an hour to finish; keeping track of all of the work in a timely manner has been a learning curve for me.

I graduated college a year ago now. I’ve been working odd jobs, babysitting/working in a restaurant, and this internship is my first real experience with a workplace environment. I’ve had various summer internships, but this is my first time on the other side/in the real world. It’s very different being out of school than in school ‘cause in school you’re going back every fall, but at BAX, while I’m here, I want to soak up all this information and stick all these tools in my pocket, understand how an office functions-even though this isn’t your typical office.

What are you walking away with from this internship?

AH: Honestly, the knowledge that a work environment and a place like this exists, where people are so supportive of each other. I mean I have just felt so incredibly supported at BAX. There have been multiple times where I’ve been supported in my own personal practice by the Education Department. There was a dance workshop that I really wanted to take, a choreographer was visiting from Europe and it was kind of like a one-time thing, and Lucia and Ashley totally supported me in doing it. It was a really last minute thing but they supported me because they wanted me to cultivate and keep alive my own artistic practice, understanding that that directly feeds into a professional working practice, as an educator, as an admin, all of that.

So things like that, understanding what you’re worth; as an artist especially its really easy to get in the mindset of just like throwing everything you have into your work/job and letting all these different jobs/positions just take, take, take from you. Because the artist’s life is such an atypical life. It’s atypical to give value to your personal practice, and to spend an hour in the studio and recognize that that is work, that’s not just fun, its work; you know, naming that and giving that value. And that BAX supports that with every single person who comes through these doors, is worth so much. I’m so lucky to be where I am. I have friends whose employers don’t care about their personal lives, emailing them at 9:30pm with something that they have to finish. The amount of respect that exists at BAX is so special; now that I know how good it can be and how much I can be worth, I am worth that, and I shouldn’t settle for anything less.

It all comes back around and it all works because everybody’s all in, everybody’s committed.

I’ve also gained a ton of experience with problem solving, especially with kids. I’m really excited to be a counselor in BAX’s Summer Arts Program this summer. I’m not ready to say goodbye and I’m not done learning yet, and I’m really excited to step into a new role at BAX. I think that’s gonna be really cool; to see all the teaching artists in action; summer’s a whole different ball game and I’m excited to see that. As a counselor I’m gonna be in all the classes, helping support all the classes which will be huge for my own professional teaching practice, you know seeing the different skills that teachers use, different activities, different tools for your tool box. More tools please!

Any post summer plans?

AH: I’ve been teaching with Wingspan Arts so I hope to continue that in the fall, maybe take on more classes than I had during the spring I’m also gonna continue working with Dance Action, Carmen Caseras. I’d love to be able to stay at BAX in some capacity if I can. I know that BAX is the kind of environment I want to be in.

Pictured, left to right: Lucia Scheckner, Education Director, Ashley R. Thaxton-Stevenson, Education Manager, Brooke Rucker, Fall 2018 Education Intern, Charlie Fischetti,2018-19 Community Outreach/YouthWorks Intern, Aviya Hersntadt, 2019 Spring Education Intern. Photo taken by BAX Staff after the 2019 Teen Arts Conference.

#BAXyouth #BAXarts #brooklyn #intern #educationintern #education #artsineducation #BAXinterns #parkslope #baxteens

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