The SDUSD Visual and Performing Arts Department launched a program this fall called "One Book, One VAPA." Part book club, part arts-focused PLC, the opt-in program brings together artistically minded staff for three after-school group conversations during the 2019-2020 school year. All VAPA teachers and VAPA Liaisons were invited to participate.
Those who signed up read the same book, The Element, by Sir Ken Robinson, copies of which were provided. Sir Ken Robinson is a leader in working to unlock the creative energy of people and organizations around the world. He is also the most watched speaker in TED history. His TED Talk, "Do Schools Kill Creativity", has been seen by over 380 million people worldwide. The Element is all about finding your passions, embracing them, and defining your own path to happiness.
Led by Rebecca Bellingham, an artist, educator and author, the “One Book, One VAPA” book club has explored the idea of passion, helping students find their own passion, and made connections to our own work as educators and arts champions. One fascinating question that came up in a recent discussion was "If you could live any fantasy life, what would it be?" This lively conversation led to the idea of the "fantasy life" representing what might be missing in our current lives and how to begin to incorporate those things into our lives starting right now!
You are welcome to join the conversation, even if you have not read the book! The last meeting will be held on Monday, February 3rd, 4:30 - 6:00pm at the San Diego Performing Arts Center, 4579 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120.
Published originally at https://www.sandiegounified.org/vapanews/vapa-book-club-focuses-passion
