CENTREVILLE — June 1st, ArtScene | the Podcast features a dynamic husband and wife duo, Brian and Kristen Tyler, who both teach at their high school alma mater—Queen Anne’s County High School (QACHS) in Centreville, MD. Kristen, a Dance teacher and Lead Performing Arts Teacher for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS), shares her journey and the recent changes that have sparked excitement around the Performing Arts at QACHS.
Brian, a Special Educator passionate about art and students on the Autism spectrum, recently won a $1,000 cash-for-class contest and is launching a mural project benefiting his students in the Program for Emotional & Academic Learning Support (PEALS) Program. He discusses the importance of the arts for students with special needs and how his and Kristen’s roles often overlap, even as they raise a family deeply involved in school performances.
When asked about how recent changes to the curriculum and the partnership QACPS has developed with Peter Pucci, Executive Director of the Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections, have positively impacted her Dance program, Kristen shared, “It’s brought a new electricity to the program, for sure. That experience and exposure to different styles is phenomenal. I’m thrilled with the variety of styles and teachers we’ve been able to bring in for the kids.”
Brian also shared his perspective on the importance of helping his students grow: “Being able to know a little bit about everything and being a quick study certainly helps. I have to be innovative at all times. I am creating projects that still meet the classroom goals, but in ways that kids want to express their learning.”
Learn more about the Tylers by tuning in to “ArtScene | the Podcast” on Spotify or at: https://anchor.fm/artscene. Also available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.