FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


The Certificate Program is designed for teaching artists of all disciplines with three or more years of teaching experience. Part participants have included classical, folk, and contemporary dancers, photographers, graphic designers, dramaturgists, classical musicians, puppeteers, percussionists, choral conductors, printmakers, storytellers, jazz musicians, theatrical artists, and a parody songwriter.

No. The program takes place online, so participants with a computer, tablet, or phone with internet connection can join from anywhere in the world. We begin with an extended 3-day weekend on campus in New York City. From there, we move to an online format.

The curriculum is inspired by three overarching questions:

 

  • Who do we teach? How can we connect meaningfully with students of different ages, different abilities, and different cultural backgrounds?
  • What are the contexts of teaching? How can the environments where we teach and the people with whom we collaborate become meaningful resources in our teaching?
  • How does our artistry inform our practice as educators? Conversely, how do our interactions with learners influence our art making?

 

 

Participants work with renowned Teachers College faculty -- experts in their fields -- in order to share, analyze, and discuss the experiences and challenges of today’s professional teaching artists.  We [un]cover the power of artistry to create flow and engagement; inform thinking about developmental, individual, and cultural responsiveness; invite changes in perception around the design of artistic experiences and environments, and collaborations with classroom teachers, administrators, schools, and other community settings.

 

Each module utilizes a variety of modalities to explore these topics, including: guided discussion and feedback, small group work on a specific topic, related readings, specially prepared videos of experts, short “research” projects that involve artistry (for example, writing poetry or creating posters), and opportunities to be mentored.

 

Acknowledging and embracing the artistic expertise of participants, the program encourages reflection on current and past teaching experiences. . Together, we consider the possibilities afforded by artistic knowing, and examine issues related to presentation and sequencing in response to the students with whom we engage.  

 

You will receive a Certificate in Responsive Pedagogy from Teachers College, Columbia University.

No. This program is designed as professional development for the individual teaching artist, but is not equivalent to or part of what is commonly called  “teaching certification” from the State of New York.

You will need a computer (recommended), tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection to participate in the online sessions.

The timeline with the dates for the upcoming cohort is located here, under the “timeline” tab.

Each class (also referred to as an “online synchronous session”, meaning all participants are online at the same time) meets approximately once a month, with a pause in the summer months of July and August. Each online synchronous session is 2 hours long, and typically meets from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., EST. Specific dates can be found here. Discussion groups take place in between the scheduled meetings.

The typical module requires the participant to complete a creative activity on their own time prior to the online synchronous session, and a short reading or participation  in an online discussion thread. Participants usually have 2-3 weeks to complete the assignment prior to the online synchronous session. Following the online synchronous session, participants are asked to complete a reflective assignment in response.

Participants must complete the assigned work for each topic and attend each session in order to earn the certificate.

If you have a professional conflict or cannot make a session due to an emergency, you must contact the Program Director to discuss options for making up the work.

The early registration cost is $2,900 (apply by June 30). After June 30, the registration cost is $3,300. Please contact cc3292@tc.columbia.edu for more information about payment plans or potential discounts.

The early registration cost is $2,900 (apply by June 30). After June 30, the registration cost is $3,300.

For the on-campus opening weekend and optional closing weekend, transportation to New York City and housing is at the expense of the participant. Most meals for the opening weekend at Teachers College are provided. TAC@TC can assist with suggesting reasonably priced lodgings. Please contact us for more information.

The timeline with the dates for the upcoming cohort is located here and under the “timeline” tab. 

Format & Timeline

 

2019-2020 Cohort Schedule

Fall 2019

October 11-13, 2019

Weekend workshop in New York on campus at Teachers College, Columbia University

What is responsiveness? How are we responsive in our teaching?

November 2

1st online synchronous session

TOPIC Developmental Responsiveness

November 23

2nd online synchronous session

TOPIC Responding to individual differences

December 14

3rd online synchronous session

TOPIC Cultural responsiveness

 

Spring 2020

January 25

4th online synchronous session

TOPIC Designing Artistic Experiences - lessons planning

February 29

5th online synchronous session

TOPIC Imagining Learning Environments

March 28

6th online synchronous session

TOPIC Nurturing Partnerships

April (TBD)

Self-study on Teaching Teachers College staff visits or online mentoring sessions

May 2

Last culminating synchronous session (TAC@TC Team) 

 

Each class (also referred to as an “online synchronous session”, meaning all participants are online at the same time) meets approximately once a month, with a pause in the summer months of July and August. Each online synchronous session is 2 hours long, and typically meets from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., EST. Discussion groups take place in between the scheduled meetings.

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