ACT 48

The Museum awards Act 48 Professional Development credit to teachers who participate in any workshop, lecture, or class that the Museum offers. Examples include a class in pottery or figure drawing, attend the annual Teacher Open House in the Fall, or attend an artist lecture at an opening reception. At the end of the class or event, teachers fill out a form and submit it to the Museum. This form is then forwarded to the Museum's approved Act 48 provider, the PA Art Education Association. The PAEA then enters the information into the PA Department of Education database. This can sometimes take a bit of time, but all credits are awarded within the current accrual period. The Erie Art Museum is grateful to the PAEA for their support of teachers and the Museum's programming.

Teacher Week
An intensive weeklong in-service
9:30am - 3:00pm every day
July 19 – 23, 2010
$65 members, $100 non-members
Each teacher will earn 25 Act 48 hours.

Teacher Week is a chance for teachers of all age levels and disciplines to experience the 'behind the scenes' work of the Erie Art Museum. In past years, teachers have worked with objects in our collection. They have done research, helped design displays, curated objects and created educational materials for up-coming exhibits. They have learned various pedagogies around using objects in an educational setting and explored how people learn through images. Teacher Week is, by design, hands-on learning for educators. Our primary goal is to engage educators in the work of the Museum and to use that direct experience for reflection on teaching practice. Typically each day starts with a gathering session and participants are given a choice of the work groups they will join for that day. At the close of the day participants share what they accomplished and raise questions for discussion with Museum staff. Although running a Museum requires professional knowledge and abilities, much of Museum work comes simply from being a well-rounded, intelligent person. In this capacity, Teacher Week is how local educators can assist the Museum and the Museum can, in turn, enrich teachers. This year's theme will be announced later this Spring. Get on the Erie Art Museum's Educator email list to be the first to learn about what is in store for teachers this summer.

What teachers have said about previous Teacher Weeks:
"It helps us learn to see art, not just look at it. It's also a joy to hear what's going on in others' minds."
"Made me reach out to an area I had no exposure to. Collaborating with fellow classmates broadens the impact."
"Gave me several ideas to bring to the classroom for improvement on student feedback."
"I loved being in the museum! I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of education areas represented. I also enjoyed the liberal access to materials."
"(Teacher Week) stuck a 'stick of dynamite' into my creative center and boosted my self-esteem as a 'creator'."

. Contact Museum Education Director, Kelly Armor, for more information.
To register, you can:
--Call Jude or Kelly at 459-5477 during business hours and have a credit card ready.
--Stop by the Museum with the registration form and payment.
--Mail the registration in with payment. (download registration from)