Thoughts and experiences in Arts Education

“Working as a teaching artist at Burr School has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my teaching career.  The benefits of bringing drama to the classroom are reflected in a number of ways:  improvement in reading, and learning development skills (that result in higher test scores and better comprehension), as well as in interpretive ways such as improvements in self-confidence and greater social skills. Perhaps most importantly though, students are allowed to express themselves in a fun, energetic atmosphere truly maximizing the benefits of theatre in the classroom.”

- Meredith Glidden, Lookingglass Teaching Artist

“If I could wave my magic wand, the one thing I would change about schools in Chicago, and urban America in general, is class size.  I think that classes should have a maximum of 15 students.  This would allow most teachers to give each student the time and attention necessary to determine their individual baseline in each subject and how to best encourage them to learn to their fullest potential.”

- Andy White, Lookingglass Ensemble member and Teaching Artist

“If I could change one thing about the Chicago public school system I would not only provide all students with equal access to the fundamental resources necessary to learn, but I would provide all students with the resources and the support necessary, at whatever financial cost, to achieve their full potential. This involves real understanding of the challenges that students (and their families) face in their homes and lives outside the school walls.” 

Christine Dunford, Lookingglass Ensemble member and Teaching Artist

“As principal of Horace Greeley School, I observed Lookingglass residency classrooms and attended several performances, and to my delight, I witnessed 190 transformed students—with a newfound zest for learning and collaboration with peers. Children who were once unaffected by academic classroom settings were having fun learning. Greeley student’s critical thinking and language development skills have vastly improved. Many who were afraid to take risks have become more assertive, and those who were already natural leaders, are more confident.” 

- Haydee Alverez, Principal, Horace Greeley School

“A series of meaningful collaborations emerged at Bell School as a result of the Lookingglass residencies…Bell’s unique partnership with Lookingglass has encouraged development among hearing impaired and non-hearing impaired elementary aged students. The residency program has given our students the freedom to collaborate by creating original works and acting them out for peers, parents, and community members. It has been an incredible journey integrating Bell teachers, students, and Lookingglass teaching artists. Through this collaboration, our students walk away empowered with a variety of theatre skills and new voice to further their academic development.”

- Robert Guercio, Principal, Bell School