S1E8: How Performing Arts and Mindfulness Are Central to Learning
In this special episode, Jemar Lee, a Future of School student scholarship winner who is currently a student at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, interviews Melissa Dobbs, founder of the Metropolitan School of the Arts.
Melissa discusses her school’s evolution from a for-profit afterschool extracurricular program in 2001 into a non-profit, full-time academic and arts conservatory today. She initially pursued a career in the performing arts, and after 12 years of running a performing arts school, she realized the burnout rate of students. She wanted to do something to help students who weren’t reaching their full potential as artists, academics, or citizens.
Melissa goes on to share her recommendations for more student-centered schools. She discusses mindfulness practices such as breathing, meditation, and learning how to reprogram our brains to deregulate their nervous systems to avoid burnout. She also touches on a few specific student success stories.
Jemar asks Melissa to share one big idea for learners to take away and she shares a couple of important thoughts. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard” is one idea that students of all interests and abilities can learn from.
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Learn more about Future of School and its mission to mobilize change in American K-12 education from a one-size-fits-all system to one that ensures all students reach their unbounded potential no matter where their learning takes place at www.futureof.school. Follow Future of School on Twitter @futureof_school and follow Amy Valentine @amyvalentine555 to keep up-to-date on exciting initiatives and opportunities.
