Episode 218: Closing Out the Year with Community in Mind
Laura and Matt GrundlerElizabeth Zwierzynski and Leslie Grace
As the school year winds down, educators often face the challenge of creating meaningful closure to the school year. In this episode of the Connected Arts Network (CAN) Series, hosts Dr. Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz and Matt Grundler welcome CAN members Elizabeth Zwierzynski and Leslie Grace to share how they close out the year with intention, reflection, and a strong sense of community among their students. Together, they explore strategies for sustaining creative momentum in the final weeks of school. Elizabeth and Leslie share thoughtful, student-centered approaches, such as how students can reflect on their personal growth through their art, helping students visualize their future creative goals, and having students’ opinions valued within the art room. From an end-of-year art show to one large collaborative project, Leslie and Elizabeth offer insight into how they celebrate their students’ progress!
About Connected Arts Networks (CAN): The National Art Education Association (NAEA), in partnership with the Educational Theater Association, National Association for Music Education, National Dance Education Organization, and NYC Department of Education’s Office of Arts and Special Projects has launched a nationwide initiative to create virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The goal of this Connected Arts Networks (CAN) is to build a sustainable model of professional learning to help teachers better serve students.
