Arts Educators Participate in San Diego “Mega Conference”

San Diego Unified educators in dance, music, theatre, and visual art joined those from all over San Diego County for the Arts Empower Mega Conference, held on October 17 in Balboa Park. The annual conference is organized by Arts Empower, an initiative of the San Diego County Office of Education, with the support of the local chapters of arts education associations are also involved. More than 500 people attended this year’s conference, over 50 of them from San Diego Unified, and several of them presenters. 

The morning began with a general session featuring SDUSD VAPA Director Russ Sperling, along with SDCOE VAPA Coordinator Pauline Crooks and Jonathan Glus, Executive Director of the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture. 

Numerous breakout sessions were available in three sessions during the late morning and afternoon. Some were led by SDUSD teachers, including: 

• Andrea Lemaitre (SCPA, dance), “Dance: Incorporating Limon Technique in Your Dance Classes Through Structured Improvisation Games”

 • Summer Williams and Sara Dickman (CPMA, dance): “Tap Drills and Skills” 

• Kayla Rodgers (San Diego High School, music): “Barbershop Harmony: Yes, You May”

• Russell Shedd (Scripps Ranch High School, music): “Students are Your Best Teachers” 

• J.P. Riley (Crawford High School, music): “Composing in the Classroom” 

Additionally, Desireee Cera, SDUSD Behavior Support Resource Specialist, co-presented with Guitars in the Classroom founder Jess Baron in a session called “Adaptive Music for Special Education: Teach Music Inclusively with AMASE”. VAPA Department administrators Russ Sperling and Anne Fennell presented the breakout session “Know Your Students – Grow Your Program!” (pictured), and Anne also co-presented a later session called “Music Connections for Infinite Possibilities.”