The McPherson County Community Foundation hosted the 13th annual Norene Ketcherside Art Symposium and Teachers Workshop on July 30 and 31 at the McPherson Opera House, welcoming Kansas educators for two days of professional development focused on arts integration and concept-based learning.
This year’s theme, High-Quality Instruction through Cross-Curricular, Concept-Based Learning, encouraged educators to explore strategies for connecting ideas across subjects and helping students better understand the “why” behind what they learn. Sessions emphasized big-picture thinking, real-world connections, and practical engagement strategies designed to strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the classroom.
The symposium featured presentations from four Kansas public school educators:
- Audra Kueger, eighth-grade English language arts teacher at Eisenhower Middle School in Goddard
- Deborah Abernathy, K-5 art teacher at Irving Elementary and Country View Elementary in Winfield
- Michal Austin, CTE graphic design pathway teacher at Flinthills School District
- Brandi Rohr, computer lab teacher at Irving Elementary in Winfield
“We wanted to tailor these lessons to reflect Norene Ketcherside’s mission of bringing art into every classroom,” said Joyce Huser, education program consultant at the Kansas Department of Education. “Art can be incorporated into almost any subject to enhance students’ learning experiences.”
One activity participants explored focused on the concept of energy transfer through machines. To incorporate an artistic element, educators were challenged to design and build their own machines. Although each participant was given the same tools and worked toward the same end goal, every educator approached the design and construction process differently.
More on the Workshop:
Open to K-12 educators from across Kansas, the workshop provided participants with new ideas and resources to incorporate art into their classrooms and curriculum. Educators who attended both days were also eligible for classroom grant awards to support future learning opportunities for their students.
Since its launch in 2014, the symposium has grown into a statewide event that regularly attracts educators from across Kansas, many of whom return year after year. Participants consistently describe the workshop as a unique opportunity for free, high-quality professional development and a chance to collaborate with fellow educators from across the state.
