Professional Institute for Educators + MEd Programs

The Teaching with Primary Sources Program at the University of the Arts

Monday August 5 - Friday, August 9, 2019
9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Funded by a grant from the Library of Congress, the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program at the University of the Arts creates professional development opportunities for K-12 educators. TPS-UArts courses introduce educators, librarians and administrators to the digital archives and teaching resources available through the Library of Congress website, in order to identify and use primary source material in the classroom. Educators, librarians and school administrators learn inquiry-based tactics to guide students through analysis of primary sources, resulting in stronger higher-order and critical thinking skills.

Non-credit classes are TUITION FREE. Graduate credit for these courses is available at a 50% reduced tuition rate. Please note: All participants (credit and non-credit) are required to pay a non-refundable $50 materials fee at the time of registration.

2019 Course Offerings:

A is For Everything: How Typography Shapes our Language and Culture

Explore meaning and subject matter through type design. Collaborative exercises will encourage participants to think critically and openly about how type and design shape our language and visual culture. Site visits include collections in the Philadelphia region, with guest lectures and an artist studio visit.

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Comics and Graphic Novels as Primary Sources

Gain general overview of the history of comics and graphic novels, particularly as social commentary in the U.S., using the resources of the Library of Congress. Projects include researching and evaluating comics, hands-on printing and design activities, lesson plan development, and more.

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Moving Pictures: Connecting with Documentary Film

Explore the role of archival sources within documentary through screenings, discussions and projects using the Library of Congress collections. Teachers will produce a short film that draws upon this resource and, in the process, learn about research techniques, non-linear editing and ethics around archival usage.

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STEM to STEAM: Connecting the Arts to STEM and Local Collections

Examine primary sources from direct access to local collections as well as the digital resources made available by the Library of Congress. Site visits include collections in the Philadelphia region and a studio visit with a contemporary artist.

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Jill Rakowicz, a K-5 arts teacher with the Littlestown Area School District, is an alumni of the MEd in Educational Program Design program. Hear about her capstone project, which she was selected to present to at the NAEA conference in Chicago and imagine how your own classroom practice would be enhanced through one of UArts' 30-credit Master's degrees.

MEd Ed Program Design Alum - Jill Rakowicz from UArts CS on Vimeo.

Apply today and begin this Summer. The priority application deadline is March 1st, with core courses begin July 8th at Villanova University.

Meet Jill

Blended + Flipped Learning: What is it All About?
Explore flipped classroom practices using free classroom resources and learn how to flip learning in any environment, even with limited online access and/or limited devices. 
Online + 4 Synchronous Sessions | February 4-March 4
Instructor: Maria Geiger

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Classroom as Makerspace
Gain the ability to plan and develop a low-cost makerspace to use with students for the design of creative projects to deepen understanding of content though hands-on, self-directed learning.
Hybrid | Online + 8 In-Person Sessions | February 9-April 20
Instructor: Noah Brock

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Special Topics in Ed Tech: Integrating Technology into Content Areas
Blend technology tools into hands-on activities and lessons that engage students and enhance learning. Discover specific strategies for your individual content area(s) while engaging with teachers from other disciplines.
Online + 4 synchronous sessions | January 21-February 22
Instructor: Howard Glasser

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View a full course listing here.

Fulfill Act 48 hours and earn graduate credits early in 2019 on your own schedule. Online courses allow you to advance your career without interrupting it.

Don't miss these courses starting in January:

Digital Communication in the Classroom
Explore the opportunities that digital communication such as blogs, fora, wikis, discussion boards, and others can present in the classroom setting, and how digital communication strategies can effectively support and enhance curriculum.
Online + 5 synchronous sessions | January 7-February 8
Instructor: Cynthia Willits

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Special Topics in Ed Tech: Integrating Technology into Content Areas
Blend technology tools into lessons that engage students and enhance learning. Discover specific strategies for your individual content area(s) while engaging with teachers from other disciplines. Hands-on activities for classroom application include desktop publishing projects to combine text with images, web-based activities, podcasting and more.
Online + 4 synchronous sessions | January 21-February 22
Instructor: Howard Glasser

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View a full course listing here.

Fulfill Act 48 hours and earn graduate credits while gaining new practices to bring to your classroom.

Courses include the Arts, Ed Tech, Inclusion, Literacy, and more. View a full course listing or view brochure.

Interested in an MEd or Graduate Certificate?

Begin earning your MEd in Educational Program Design or Educational Technology this Summer.

Our practice-centered programs provide individual attention and support at your own pace, so you can advance your professional goals without career interruption.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by March 1st. Learn more about the application process here.

Christianna Berg, MEd in Educational Program Design, presented her MEd Capstone Project - an integrated science and social studies curriculum designed for 5th grade - at Pennsylvania's Curriculum Summit in Pittsburgh, PA. Since her presentation, Christianna has reflected on and adapted her curriculum. You can read more about Christianna's journey as an MEd graduate on her blog here.