Clark Art Hosts Free Evening For Educators

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — On Thursday, May 1, the Clark Art Institute hosts a free creative professional development event for educators from across the region. 
 
Participants will explore ways to strengthen their students' social and emotional learning through the arts. Evening for Educators is recommended for Pre-K through Grade 12 educators, including school counselors and administrators. Educators can earn professional development points through participation. The program runs from 5 pm to 8:15 pm.
 
The evening commences with a keynote address by Käthe Swaback, the Massachusetts Cultural Council's program officer for creative youth development and health. Swaback is a visual artist, art therapist, and arts administrator with an M.A. in expressive therapy.
 
A series of workshops, developed by local educators who are members of the Clark's new Teacher Advisory Group, provide educators with inspiring methods to enliven social and emotional learning in the classroom. Participants can choose to attend two of the five workshops, which range from gallery engagement activities to hands-on art making and align with state standards.
 
The event begins in the Clark's auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.
 
Program Details:
 
5 pm: Arrival and Check-in
 
5:15 pm: Keynote Address
Presented by Käthe Swaback, Massachusetts Cultural Council
 
5:55 pm: Complimentary Buffet Dinner
 
6:45- 8:15 pm: Workshop Series
 
Select two:
 
Artful Yoga
  • Engaging with Art to Build Self-Management and Relationship Skills
  • Exploring Empathy through Sculpture
  • Handmade Books as Self Portraits
  •  Art-Inspired Letter writing, Storytelling, and Empathy
Advance registration is strongly encouraged. To register, visit clarkart.edu/events or email Dana Schildkraut, School Specialist, at dschildkraut@clarkart.edu. The program, all supplies, and dinner are provided free of charge to all professional educators.

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Teacher of the Month: Greta Noyes

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Elementary School first-grade teacher Greta Noyes feeds her students' natural curiosity and makes them excited to learn. 
 
It is her dedication to her students, caring heart, and welcoming atmosphere that has earned her the iBerkshires Teacher of the Month designation. 
 
"I just love what I do, and I know every day is going to be a good day … It is never a dull moment, and it's always exciting, and it's good to see the curiosity and the eagerness of our students and how they bring so much joy to the classroom," she said.
 
The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, features distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here
 
For more than two decades, Noyes has dedicated her career to nurturing young minds, from teaching kindergarten in North Carolina for 11 years through moving to Massachusetts. She has been working at Williamstown Elementary for the last 11 years. 
 
"I have a background in language and literacy. I love the moment that students realize that they are successful with a skill, in particular with reading," she said. 
 
Noyse infuses her background with other curriculum, including math, science, and social studies, to reach her pupils. 
 
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