2024 Arts & ʻĀina Explorations, Teachers & Teaching Artists, Professional Development
This yearʻs theme, "Hoʻala - An awakening for change in this place we call home" was a cornucopia of connection, experience and resources. In this professional learning workshop, educators and Teaching Artists engaged in hands-on, experiential learning about endangered species and threatened habitats to reflect on why and how to integrate drama strategies with topical environmental topics. Participants experienced, discussed and practiced facilitating a range of drama strategies to awaken and activate student interest in valuing and protecting our precious islandʻs ecosystem.
This yearʻs Artist Educators were:
Daniel A. Kelin, II arrived at our 2024 Arts & ʻĀina immersive program with seasoned, rich teaching experience, wearing many hats as an Artist Educator, Actor, Director, Playwright and much more.The participants were given the opportunity to learn many useful drama techniques in teaching that they could utilize directing into the classroom, for many different topics and purposes.
Kekai Daunhauer brought with her a unique combination of a deep, first hand understanding of the Hawaiian Cultural values of the ʻĀina, plants, and animals, along with an Artistʻs eye for color, unique visual design and techniques. Each day was a delightful discovery of a wealth of simple, accessible ways to engage in our local beautiful environment, easily suited for classroom application.
The response that When We Shine Foundation received from our 30 teachers and Teaching Artists, has again inspired us and laid the groundwork for continuing this much needed professional development, immersion program. As a result, WWSF plans to offer a separate PD Program exclusively for Teaching Artists, especially ones who are new to Hawaiʻi or Artists who are new to the classroom in 2025. 
Here are a few of the comments we received from this yearʻs Arts & ʻĀina Explorations participants:
Each of our Teaching Artists added to a new google website built as a result of this program and all of the resources and teaching techniques provided, are there as a reminder and for use anytime - 2024 Arts & ʻĀina Explorations: Hoʻala. Please check it out!
