A Peek at the Canvas: December
by Frank Caracciolo
The most recent episode of The Blank Canvas with Frank Caracciolo is out now. Released on December 21st, Frank speaks with Arts Consultant Nicolas Doyon of the EMSB.
Frank Caracciolo: As well, I mean it’s it’s a great way to get that really rich part that you can’t get out of a textbook ever you know what I mean? So you know, do you work a lot with new teachers specifically or as they come in? Do you help them with the arts programs that they’re working in yourself?
Nicolas Doyon: Yeah. Yeah, basically. When there’s new teachers, I get a list from a person responsible for new teachers, I’ll get a new list maybe every three months, and I’ll just add them. I’ll welcome them, and I’ll ask them if they’d like to meet me and when and just if they need help going over the program just to make sure they understand it, because I really want them to teach it and so I’ll get a new list of an updated list, maybe every three months, of the new teachers in our in our schools and yeah, I’ll reach out and I’ll go see them. That’s my favorite part of the job is actually going and meet teachers in person discussing, you know, what their talents are, what their passions are. So we can find a way of working toward integrating all that information into the program and do what they’re teaching so.
Frank Caracciolo: Yeah, I find it the best way and you’re already a great example, because if you’re interested in theater, or if you’re interested in cycling or whatever, whatever it might be, and you take, that passion and you, you’re able to and you know, help integrate your passion into what you’re teaching. It comes through. It comes to the students, and they seem to really understand that you, you mean what you’re saying, and it becomes like second nature.
Nicolas Doyon: That’s right. Yeah. Well, yeah, when you teach with passion, you can’t hide it. You’re passionate about something. You’re talking about like, oh, this is the coolest thing. I did this when I was back in Italy or whatever. I was on a trip and I saw this show and you talk about it with passion. Kids get like, you know they can relate cause they could think of their own passions and which changes when you talk about something that you love, as opposed to something you just have to teach.
Frank Caracciolo: Yeah. And I think that’s where I am at. I’m trying to get people more into that, like whatever it is incorporated. If you’re teaching math, what is it that you’re passionate about outside and bring that in. I’m hoping that that more teachers, younger teachers, start thinking about as well as opposed to just looking at a textbook and saying this is what I have to teach and just do it by the book you know.
Nicolas Doyon: Yeah. And it’s always going to give new teachers any advice? I mean the first thing I tell them is make friends with the secretary and janitor, anyone with keys you gotta be friends with.
Hear the complete episode on your favourite podcast player or by clicking here.
