CHALKBOARD CHAT is an interview series highlighting the teaching artists and administrators who dedicate their time and expertise to ArtsConnection students.
Ed Miller
Director of Teen Programs
What’s your earliest memory of being moved by art?
My earliest memory of being moved by art was in my first show at Children’s Theater Company. It was called Falling Moons, and it was about an old woman who tells children stories through a magical hat. I was in the ensemble and played a lot of minor roles, but there were two actors, Wendy Lehr and Carl Beck, who were/are stunning actors. I learned so much watching them. They were very talented, funny, heartfelt, focused and curious artists who inspired me to become the actor that I am today.
Describe your primary school arts education in three words
Sufficient, Kind, Opportunity
How long have you been working with ArtsConnection?
I have been with ArtsConnection for 23 years as an Executive Assistant, Teaching Artist, Program Manager, Videographer and now Director of Teen Programs
What has been one of the biggest challenges in your teaching journey?
My biggest teaching challenge has been to take a back seat as a teacher. A main task as a teacher, as I see it, is to present a lesson that has multiple entry points, see where that outline leads students, and make adaptations along the way. To put it another way, I look for opportunities to not be the expert, and stepping back in that way may lead to students discovering the expert in themselves.
How has teaching children changed your outlook on art?
Creativity needs to be fostered. It requires a safe environment in order for students to take risks and they need to be provided with the materials that they need to explore the art form that they are working on. The quality of art that I have seen over the years that has been made, with just a few suggestions from me, is utterly inspiring. Before I started teaching, I thought that great art was made only by experts in the field. I now see that a lot of people, especially children, are great artists and that their art needs to be seen by a wider audience.
Lastly, in your own words, why do you feel the work we do at ArtsConnection is important?
I have committed to ArtsConnection for 23 years because I believe that arts education is essential to all children. Since I have been at ArtsConnection, we have developed engaging puppetry curriculum, researched how teachers can improve their observational and feedback skills, developed a curriculum for working with multi language learners in theater and dance, and developed strategies and skills to work with students on the autism spectrum in musical theater. These are just some of the programs that I have been engaged with throughout the years. At its base is a desire to show the value of having quality arts education in schools to those who think otherwise. The processes that we work with and teach in are of value in helping students to shape critical thinking skills and unlock potential, as well as offering them new opportunities to dream, create, and express themselves fully.
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