Arts & Parks program
announces a new head teacher
PRESQUE ISLE — The Wintergreen Arts Center is pleased to announce that the position of head teacher and director of the Arts & Parks After-School Program has been filled by Betsy (Tweedie) Allen of Mars Hill. Betsy’s undergraduate credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education with minors in history and art from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. In 2007 she graduated from Vermont College of the Union Institute and University with her M.Ed., and her graduate thesis was entitled “Creativity and Imagination in Education.”
Allen was employed by SAD 42 in Mars Hill for five years, where she served as a 7th- and 8th-grade English language arts teacher. Her extra duties there included NHS adviser; SAT, Gifted and Talented, and technology committees; and MLTI teacher-leader. She loved her teaching position and being part of the Central Aroostook staff, but after the birth of her daughter, she decided she needed something that gave her more time with her daughter, Elizabeth.
“Teaching was so fulfilling and I had a hard time letting go of something so wonderful. I know I will miss the students, staff members and curriculum, but I know that the most important thing is my family and that is what I need to focus on right now,” said Allen.
When asked why she was interested in the position at Wintergreen, Allen said it was just meant to be.
“I have a passion for art, art history, painting and teaching, and I was eager to learn more about Wintergreen. After going to Wintergreen one day after school and observing the students at work, I knew this was the job for me. I was so impressed with the concept of the program and especially the center itself. Its beauty and charm hit me right when I walked in the door. It is the perfect place for people of all ages to explore their inner creativity,” Allen said.
As the head teacher and director of the after-school program, Allem will be responsible for determining themes for each month, creating lesson plans corresponding to those themes and scheduling visiting artists. She says she is very excited about starting this position and some of the units she will be teaching.
“The after-school program is such an amazing opportunity for students, grades 1-6. They will be exposed to so many educational, cultural and artistic activities. In December, for example, our theme is ‘celebrations.’ We will learn how events are celebrated around the world. The students will be exposed to cultural events, history, music and food. I am also teaching a unit about ancient Greece and the journey of Odysseus. The students will make Cyclops piñatas and possibly even a Trojan horse. My Dr. Seuss theme will be fun-filled with lots of imaginative and wacky projects. I plan to start each lesson with a bit of reading, which is something I know is very important. From there, students will be guided through hands-on, educational activities,” explained Allen.
“I am really looking forward to starting at WGAC this fall. I am also eager about the future of the center. I think there is so much potential here. It is nice to see something like this in Aroostook County. Wintergreen offers something that is usually only found in larger cities, certainly not around here. I think it is great to expose our area to culture. From birthday parties and Mini Monet classes, to the café and open studio for adults, there is something for everyone,” said Allen.
Registration for the Arts & Parks After-School Program and Mini Monet begins Tuesday, Sept. 7, for Presque Isle residents (Monday, Sept. 13, for non-residents) at the William V. Haskell Community Center, 270 Main St., Presque Isle. For registration information call 764-2545.
Both programs begin the week of Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Wintergreen. For information about Wintergreen Arts Center, stop by 149 State St. or check them out online at www.wintergreenarts.org/.
