Art teachers receive professional development in College of Art and Design

Rochester Institute of Technology’s College of Art and Design is committed to cultivating the next generation of creative artists. That mission goes beyond acclaimed faculty mentoring and guiding students. It also encompasses connecting with the surrounding arts community to further influence the development of young, ardent artists striving to make a difference. 

A new college initiative inspired by this methodology is the Teacher Track program, which was piloted during RIT’s second of two annual College and Careers events on Aug. 4.

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Throughout a daylong experience, 12 high school teachers in the region enhanced their professional practices with development workshops taught by College of Art and Design faculty. They also received a preview of the college’s many undergraduate offerings, labs and studio spaces. 

The invitees worked on their digital effects and motion graphic abilities during an After Effects session led by Jason Arena, associate professor and co-program director of new media design. They then participated in a prosthetics demonstration and portfolio tutorial run by Joyce Hertzson, professor in the School of Design.

The program also consisted of a networking breakfast and lunch and was capped by an intimate tour of MAGIC Spell Studios. The 52,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility set to open this fall allows faculty and student game designers, programmers, filmmakers and animators to collaborate with each other and industry partners to create digital media experiences.

“Great day! I really appreciated the fact that professors joined us for the lunch session so that we could ask questions on a more informal basis and hear more about specific projects and initiatives,” one feedback comment from a participant read. “Amazing to see what students have access to at RIT!”

Other art educators also said they found their experience in the College of Art and Design to be beneficial.

Elissa DeChick, art teacher in the Fairport Central School District

“I’m grateful that local school districts have RIT as a resource to help influence and support the visual arts in our community. The teacher programs are so valuable to connect teachers with each other. With the new MAGIC Spell Studios and the college changes, I look forward to more partnerships that will not only benefit the teachers but generate more interest about career possibilities for our students, provide meaningful connections and awareness of local resources. The workshops were relevant and fresh to trends and changes we are seeing with our students. I look forward to more opportunities like this.”

David Rogalski, who runs the media arts program at Kenmore West High School in Buffalo, N.Y.

“We strive to prepare students with cutting-edge skills in art and design. Having the opportunity to see first-hand, the facilities and programming students at a high-level university have access to, will be very useful to us as we continue to grow our program. We have had several students in recent years attend RIT for art and design and teacher programs like this will aid us in preparing them for the rigor of a world-class education.”

Upcoming free professional development

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