Rachel Rhoades Teaching Artist

Education

Masters of Education

Lesley University

Community Arts

Anticipated Graduated: 2013

Bachelor of Arts

Vassar College

Arts Education & Social Change

Class of 2008

Thesis: Self-designed curriculum for the Youth Artists for Critical Consciousness (YACC)

British American Drama Academy

London, England

2006

Phillips Exeter Academy

Exeter, NH

Class of 2004

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder the fall of 2008 during my freshman year of college. A scrap of history from my experiences: school counselors convinced me to take time off the spring of my sophomore year. I received notification that I was not allowed to set foot on my school campus during my leave for the safety of the community despite having no medical or disciplinary record of violence or aggression at any point in my past. I graduated on time with the rest of my class.

Philosophy

I strive to create opportunities for others to experience the inspiration and catharsis available through the arts. My work invites participants to learn more about their communities and to value personal stories. Together we explore our potential to incite change in individual and societal perception and behavior.

I ground my work based on the particular circumstances of the communities with which I come into contact. Participants identify and investigate pressing societal concerns. As part of the process, we explore how we might take active roles in addressing those injustices through the arts.

I am committed to the notion that community arts projects can bring invaluable enlightenment and healing through the artistic work. My hope is that the malleability of my work may lend itself to providing a significant impact on a variety of populations.

The Sensitivity Project:

Combatting Homophobia in Schools

In response to the homophobic bullying at a Boston public middle school where she completed her AmeriCorps National Teaching Fellowship, Rhoades designed workshops integrating the arts as a way of confronting and exploring discrimination called The Sensitivity Project.

The curriculum consisted of a series of workshops in which the students engaged with the topic of prejudice through multiple art forms.

Students responded with high engagement and produced effective ideas they later put into action.

As a result of the energy catalyzed by the workshops, students changed the school culture around homophobia.

Rachel Rhoades: Teaching Artist

The Sensitivity Project:

Combatting Homophobia in Schools