Teacher Toolbox Workshop
2023 Teacher Toolbox Workshop and Luncheon
Friday, September 22, 2023
8:45 - 9:15 a.m. CT: Check-in, Breakout Session Registration, light refreshments served.
9:30 a.m. CT: Keynote Presentation
2:30–3:30 p.m. CT: Optional Campus Tours
RSVP
Register for morning and afternoon sessions.
SAIC MacLean Ballroom
112 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
2023 Topic: Navigating a New Visual Frontier with AI
We will be exploring the connections between AI and creative production for fine artists and designers, and discussing how AI is impacting traditional artistic processes and opening up new avenues of expression. How do you guide your students to use AI as a creative assistant, streamline tasks, and spark innovation? Join us to engage in conversation about where collaboration between artists, designers, and technologists unite to shape the creative landscape.
This free event will feature:
- Keynote Address
- Several short hands-on workshop options
- Dedicated networking time
- Optional tour of the Art Institute of Chicago museum and School of the Art Institute campus
Lunch will be served. Illinois educators who attend this workshop are eligible for CPDU credit.
Contact us at 312.629.6100 or ugadmiss@saic.edu with any questions you may have.
2022 Resources
"Portfolio Prep 101" Presentation by Lauren Hogan Casser
"Game Day" by Maire Witt O'Neill
2020 Recordings
11 AM - 12 PM (CT)
Adapting Arts Education for Chicago Public Schools
Melisa Rutkelis, Manager of Student Programs, Department of Arts Education, Chicago Public Schools
Watch the recording
Melisa Rutkelis is the Manager of Student Programs for The Department of Arts Education in Chicago Public Schools. There, she manages the Advanced Arts Program, All-City Visual and Performing Arts Program, and District-Wide Music Festivals. She taught for 8 years and spent 5 of those years teaching: general music, modern band, mariachi, concert band, and choir at Twain Elementary in CPS. During that time she secured over $55,000 in grants, was teacher of the year, and led the All-City Elementary and High School Bands. Melisa has presented at The Illinois Music Educator Conference, VanderCook College of Music, NAfME, Modern Rock Band Fest, and for the New York Public Schools. Her most advanced degree is a Masters in Music Education, from VanderCook College of Music. She is an oboist, and loves attending concerts across the city.
Nora Guerrero, Student Program Coordinator
Nora Guerrero provides administrative and logistical support for DAE student programs, including All-City Performing Arts, All-City Visual Arts Exhibitions, and Music and Theatre Festivals.
Gaby Lopez, Advanced Arts Student Program Coordinator
Gaby Lopez coordinates and executes a range of daily operations for the Advanced Arts Program at Gallery 37. in addition to leading outreach/student recruitment district-wide, purchasing/budget management and student scheduling.
12 PM - 1 PM (CT)
The Power of Asynchronous Learning
Chris Sykora, Deerfield High School + Co-Founder of the Illinois High School Art Exhibition
Watch the recording
Chris Sykora holds degrees in the liberal and fine arts, including a Masters in Education Leadership. He currently teaches visual art at Deerfield High School. He co-founded the Illinois High School Art Exhibition and serves as its Assistant Director & Secretary. Chris previously served as the IAEA's Advocacy Taskforce Chair. This role included facilitating discussions with key policy officials in Illinois and across the country. His work has been vital in improving arts access in public schools. As a teacher, Chris practices reflective social constructivist teaching, while facilitating future-focused project-based learning opportunities. His classroom practices focus on nurturing social-emotional growth and on bridging intersections across disciplines. Chris is an avid reader and constant learner. He's always increasing his knowledge about education and creativity. He shares his findings and insights on his podcast, Hey Teachers!.
1 PM - 2 PM (CT)
Introduction to Resources
Alexis Bailey and Sabrina Phillips, Art Institute of Chicago
Watch the recording
Alexis Bailey is an educator in the Department of Learning and Public Engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago. Alexis develops classroom resources and professional development opportunities for educators across the Chicagoland area. She previously worked as a Museum Education Intern where she facilitated docent tours, interactive gallery talks, and art making activities. She holds a BFA in Communications and a minor in Traditional Media Art from Texas A&M University. In addition to her enthusiasm and passion for the arts, Alexis has spent her time working in local art galleries throughout the greater Texas and Atlanta area.
Sabrina Mooroogen Phillips, MA is a Senior Educator at the Art Institute of Chicago where she designs resources and virtual and in-person experiences. As a former elementary teacher, she worked with fifth and sixth graders at schools in England, Thailand, Egypt, and Qatar, exploring the bilingual learner's experience in multiple contexts. Sabrina's art-historical expertise centers on late colonial South Asian art, specifically the works of women. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education and Social Justice at Lancaster University UK, with a focus on critical race theory and whiteness in educator programming and professional development.
Breakout conversations following each presentation are facilitated by SAIC Staff and Faculty.
Resources from Past Presenters
On-Demand Content
Content you can view and use anytime!
Teacher Digital Backpack (SAIC Guides and Viewbooks)
Interested in taking a live virtual tour with one of our Student Ambassadors? Find a time and date that works for you:
Virtual SAIC / AIC Exhibitions
View the ArtBash 2020 Exhibition (Freshmen Spring Exhibition)
View the Spring 2020 BFA Show
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago virtually!
Additionally, connect with us on our Facebook Page for Art Educators!
Resources Shared by Teacher Participants
Padlet: Collaborative Learning Tool
20 ways to use Padlet in Class
Google Jamboard: Collaborative Learning Environment
Milanote: organizing thoughts into visual boards where students can collect inspirations/thoughts (think Evernote + Pinterest)
Collaborative Online Tool Reviews (includes Padlet and Jamboard)
Artsteps.com: For Online Exhibitions
Google Arts and Culture