Teacher Career: Collaborative Leadership in Education With Arts

Building Bridges Through Art: Collaborative Leadership in Education

Teacher Career/Multicultural Education - By Ms. Mila

Art is a universal language that connects people across cultures, ideas, and experiences. As an educator, I’ve always been passionate about using art to foster understanding, celebrate diversity, and create meaningful learning experiences. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading workshops, collaborating with teachers, and guiding students in exploring how art can be a bridge to understanding.

Giving teachers the chance to explore art and gain insights into our students' perspectives is a valuable strategy for building strong connections, fostering empathy, and cultivating an appreciation for creativity and individuality in the classroom.

Promoting Multicultural Education

My teaching philosophy centers on the belief that every student’s culture deserves recognition and respect. This commitment to multicultural education has shaped many of the workshops and projects I’ve led, including:

• Teacher-Led Workshops in Brazil and the USA: These sessions focused on how to discuss diversity, ethnicity, and culture in classrooms. I guided educators on how to approach sensitive topics with care and authenticity, emphasizing the role of arts integration in fostering empathy and understanding.

  
  

• Workshop at Nadeen School: Collaborating with an international teaching team, I led sessions on integrating student's cultures into creative classroom projects using technology. The workshop provided teachers with strategies help students to connect with different countries and students at the same age group and level while highlighting their unique backgrounds.

  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  

These experiences have reinforced the power of art as a tool for creating connections and encouraging open dialogue about identity and culture.

Creativity and Collaboration

Arts integration is one of my favorite approaches to teaching because it allows students to see the connections between disciplines. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and communities to create events and projects that celebrate creativity and critical thinking. Here are some examples:

• Creativity Day at Riffa Views: As part of this school-wide event, I collaborated with other teachers to lead workshops that engaged students in hands-on creative activities, from painting and sculpture to digital art. The event showcased the importance of interdisciplinary learning and teamwork.

• Arts Integration Night at Capitol Encore Academy: This event brought together families, students, and staff to celebrate the integration of visual arts across subjects. Students displayed projects that explored the connections between history, science, and art, demonstrating the value of a holistic education.

These collaborative events highlighted the importance of community and the shared role we all play in fostering a love for creativity and learning.

Encouraging Bias-Free Teaching

I really enjoy mentoring teachers on how to approach cultural elements without perpetuating stereotypes or biases. Through workshops and team discussions, I’ve shared strategies like:

• Researching with Intent: Encouraging teachers to explore the deeper cultural context of art forms and traditions before introducing them in class. No one is better to speak about their own culture than a native, and the international teaching space gives us so many different opportunities to discuss that.

• Highlighting Contributions from Marginalized Communities: Ensuring representation of diverse voices and perspectives in art history lessons. Look for contemporary authors, artists, illustrators, and writers who are currently talking about those themes and make connections. Social Media can be a helpful ally in this aspect.

• Empowering Students: Guiding students to share their cultural stories and perspectives, making the classroom a more inclusive space for all. I share a series of projects here on my TPT Store that can serve as a starting point for meaningful conversations about culture.

  These strategies have been key in creating lessons that are both respectful and impactful.

  
  

Leadership Through Collaboration

Beyond the classroom, my experience leading professional development sessions has allowed me to support fellow educators in growing their practice. I’ve mentored teachers on incorporating the IB Learner Profile attributes into their classrooms and facilitated discussions on global-mindedness and inclusivity.

• Workshops on Multicultural Art Education: Providing actionable resources and frameworks to help teachers bring diverse art forms into their curricula.

• Team Mentoring: Supporting colleagues in brainstorming cross-curricular projects, ensuring alignment with school goals and values.

• Celebrating Collaborative Success: Organizing exhibitions and showcases to highlight the combined efforts of students and teachers, reinforcing the value of teamwork.

  
  

Looking Ahead

As I continue to grow in my teaching and leadership roles, I remain committed to the transformative power of collaboration and arts integration. These approaches not only enhance learning outcomes but also prepare students and educators alike to engage with a globalized world thoughtfully and creatively.

Through my experiences—whether leading workshops, creating interdisciplinary projects, or organizing community events—I’ve learned that the best teaching happens when we bring our ideas together, celebrate our differences, and use art to build connections. It’s a journey I’m honored to be part of—and one I look forward to continuing!

Ms. Mila Vasconcelos