Folk Arts in the Classroom connects Iowa K-12 teachers, folk artists, and cultural heritage organizations through continuing education and training. The program offers social studies and fine arts educators the opportunity to learn how to integrate folk and traditional arts into Iowa classrooms. The program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Timeline
December 1, 2019 – Deadline to Submit Application
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m., December 1, 2019.
January 1, 2020 – Selection Announcement
Applicants will be notified of selection decisions no later than January 1, 2020.
June 10-11, 2020 – Program Dates
The program will take place at the National Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids on June 10, 2020 and at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center in Decorah on June 11, 2020.
The Program
Folk Arts in the Classroom provides the opportunity for one social studies teacher and one fine arts teacher from 10 different Iowa schools to receive continuing education credit while working together to learn about folk and traditional arts and to create integrated curriculum that incorporates the practices into the classroom. Led by master social studies and fine arts educators, participating teachers will learn about the definition of folk arts, receive training on curriculum development, have the opportunity to workshop their own integrated curriculum based on the program, and learn about the resources offered by Iowa’s cultural institutions.
The program includes two, day-long visits to the National Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Heritage Center in Decorah. During each visit, teachers will be taken on a tour of the facility, learn about the resources the organization offers, and participate in a class led by a local folk and traditional artist that incorporates both social studies and fine arts standards. Master teachers will assist participants with creating their own integrated social studies and fine arts curriculum to take back to their classrooms.
Day One Agenda
June 10, 2020 - National Czech and Slovak Museum, Cedar Rapids
- What is Folk Art?
- Tour of National Czech and Slovak Museum
- Resources for K-12 Educators
- Folk Arts in Practice Class
Day Two Agenda
June 11, 2020 - Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah
- Tour of Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
- Resources for K-12 Educators
- Folk Arts in Practice Class
- Creating Integrated Folk Arts Curriculum
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Individuals who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for the program.
- Legal Iowa resident as defined by Iowa Code 422.4 and Iowa Administrative Code 701.38.17 (422).
- Current, social studies or fine arts educator at an Iowa public or private K-12 school whose primary orientation, mission and purpose is education and the awarding of academic credits. At the elementary level, teachers do not have to exclusively teach social studies. An elementary teacher who teaches social studies curriculum is eligible to apply with a fine arts teacher from their school.
- A social studies and fine arts educator from the same school must apply for the program.
Program Benefits
In addition to the folk and traditional arts learning opportunities provided by the program, the following will be provided to each educator for participation in the program.
Continuing Education Credit
One continuing education credit through the Iowa State Education Association will be provided at no cost to the social studies and fine arts educators upon completion of the program.
Lodging and Travel Stipend
A stipend to offset the cost of lodging and mileage at the state rate will be provided to each participant for participation in the program.
Meals
Meals for the social studies and fine arts educators will be provided during the time spent at each venue.
Program Expectations
The social studies and fine arts educators will be expected to participate in 15 hours of class time and complete necessary coursework to receive continuing education credit through the Iowa State Education Association. Educators are expected to provide their own transportation to and from program activities.
Online Application Submission
Applicants must submit an application via the Iowa Arts Council’s SlideRoom, an online application portal. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Late, incomplete or ineligible applications will not be accepted. Applicants can access the current online application requirements at iowaartscouncil.slideroom.com. Applicants must create a login to view the full application requirements for the program. Applicants can visit support.slideroom.com for technical assistance related to the online submission.
Contact
Potential applicants are encouraged to review all published material and contact Jennie Knoebel at 515-242-6194 or jennie.knoebel@iowa.gov with questions well in advance of the application deadline.
