Reaching All Students With the Arts

Many of the students I work with at Zamboni Middle School have a learning disability that impacts their engagement in academics. They often feel like they are not the smartest kid in class or don’t have the right answer. The arts change that.

I teach a unit on brain science in which students create a representation of the inside of their brain using visual arts techniques. The results have blown me away. It is often the quietest kid in class, or the one that struggles with writing, that creates the most elaborate, beautiful art piece. Integrating the arts into my teaching gives a different set of students an opportunity to shine.

The arts help me make sure that all students can learn.

The professional development I’ve received through Turnaround Arts has helped teachers like me to engage students in creative ways – all while meeting learning goals. The arts help me make sure that all students can learn.

Marianna Saade is a Resource Specialist Teacher at Zamboni Middle in Paramount, CA. She has worked with Turnaround Arts: California for seven years, attending professional development workshops to learn arts strategies to incorporate into her teaching. She also serves on her school’s Arts Leadership Team.