Heart of the Lesson Plan
In Summer of 2024, the Educational Theatre Association launched a summer project to think deeply about how we develop curriculum and deliver instruction - the "Heart of the Lesson Plan". The project focused on creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking, while breaking free from the constraints of traditional lesson plans to embrace a dynamic, student-centered approach to learning. Fifteen applicants were chosen to receive 20 hours of virtual professional development focused on curriculum development with nationally recognized educators. During the trainings. Working with Josh Streeter, of Emerson College, consultant Cheryl Williams, and Connected Arts Networks teachers Tina Barone (NYC) and Kristi Farr (Indian River School District), the participants did an intensive study of the work of Dr. Gholdy Muhammad and her book “Unearthing Joy, A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning” ( Muhammad. Scholastic 2023).
The resulting unit outlines provide a teachable blueprint to spark new ideas and a new way of thinking about teaching and instruction. These unit outlines are inspired by the work of Dr. Gholdy Muhammad and her text Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally and Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning.
We thank the following teachers who joined us for the Heart of the Lesson Plan project:
| Deirdre Atkinson | Amanda Burr | Branson Cobb |
| Rianna Graydon | Vanessa Keyser-Cassis | Laurel Kulig |
| Claire LaNicca | Jennifer Moynihan | Yuyang Ning |
| Ray Palasz | Magnolia Perez | Tori Scoles |
| Nicole Smith |