Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Shelley MacDonald

Merigomish,NS

Summary

Artist educator with extensive experience at The Royal Conservatory's Learning Through the Arts program, specializing in arts integration and community engagement. Expertise in curriculum development and workshop facilitation, empowering youth through creative design and critical thinking. Committed to fostering inclusive learning environments that celebrate Indigenous pedagogy and drive student achievement.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Artist Educator/Instructor

The Travelling Stage
, Canada
10.2023 - Current
  • Designed and delivered in-person arts programming with three artists and classroom teachers in Inuvik and Sachs Harbour.
  • Presented online workshops for high school students on respectful integration of Indigenous worldview into performance pieces.
  • Organized and participated in Community performances that showcased student work.

Guest Lecturer/Student Mentor

The Fountain School, Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
09.2020 - Current
  • Designed activities to enhance critical thinking in film and theatre courses.
  • Incorporated multimedia resources into lectures to enrich student learning experiences.
  • Prepared engaging lectures and comprehensive course materials for students.
  • Mentored Film Studies students and on-camera talent during live filming of the peer video series: Creating and Learning in Mi'kma'ki.
  • Participated in meetings, offering insights to foster a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

Atlantic Canada Program Leader

youthLEADarts Inc
, NS
01.2020 - Current
  • Created, developed, and implemented new programs to meet the needs of program participants aged 4 and up, with a focus on leadership through the arts in Merigomish, Little Harbour, New Glasgow, and online across Canada.
  • Managed the recruitment process of program participants, community mentors, artist educators, and volunteers who are interested in participating in the program.
  • Monitored and managed budget expenses related to the program, including payroll, fundraising, and grant writing.
  • Developed marketing plans aimed at increasing awareness about the organization's programs.
  • Mentored and trained youth staff members on how to deliver engaging programming for youth aged 4-13
  • Implemented play, exploration, and art activities in support of the curriculum, with a focus on the values of Listen, Empathize, Act, and Drive as our pillars.
  • Supported students in making positive behavior choices and used gentle disciplinary measures when needed.
  • Took roll and reviewed student sign-in/sign-out sheets to monitor safety and absences.
  • Scheduled meetings with stakeholders including funders, community partners and staff members to discuss programming initiatives.

Curriculum Developer, Level 3 Instructor/Mentoring Program Coordinator

Learning Through The Arts, The Royal Conservatory
, Canada
09.2008 - 12.2024
  • Worked alongside classroom teachers, Artist Educators, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to enrich curriculum through arts integration.
  • Co-designed online teacher professional development programs with Indigenous artists in partnership with Vancouver School Board.
  • Provided training for local artist educators in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, and BC on arts integration within Indigenous pedagogy.
  • Partnered with educators and Elders to implement diverse art forms into the curriculum in British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Ontario schools.
  • Created assessments that measure student progress towards established learning objectives.
  • Presented as instructor at Banff Teacher Institute annually between 2010-2014.
  • Conducted workshops emphasizing Indigenous methodologies for teacher professional development at significant educational conferences across Canada, including the INDspire education conference.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness and reported findings to various funders.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts

Brock University
St. Catharines, ON
06-1992

Skills

  • Arts integration
  • Curriculum development
  • Program management
  • Community engagement
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Youth mentorship
  • Collaborative planning
  • Indigenous pedagogy
  • Critical thinking
  • Creative design

Affiliations

  • Scuba diver, experienced swimmer, hiker, yoga, gardener, board member, community volunteer

Accomplishments

  • Order of Mary Ward Recipient 2019 for work in community development and education Toronto, Ontario
  • Volunteer of the year award finalist Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Certification

  • Level 3 Artist Educator, Instructor certification The Royal Conservatory of Music 2016
  • Proposal writing Business Skills Program, Northern Opportunities for Business Ltd (CBDC) June 18th 2024

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Artist Educator/Instructor

The Travelling Stage
10.2023 - Current

Guest Lecturer/Student Mentor

The Fountain School, Dalhousie University
09.2020 - Current

Atlantic Canada Program Leader

youthLEADarts Inc
01.2020 - Current

Curriculum Developer, Level 3 Instructor/Mentoring Program Coordinator

Learning Through The Arts, The Royal Conservatory
09.2008 - 12.2024

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts

Brock University

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