Education

Jessica Nicoll and Barry Oreck have worked in arts education 
for over 25 years, designing and leading arts programs nationally and internationally in schools, arts institutions, community centers, and universities. In all areas of their teaching – from professional development to classes in K-12, to work in private studios and higher education – they have pursued an ongoing exploration of the artistic process, be it the art of teaching or art-making. They encourage participants to examine assumptions, artistic habits, and standard methodology as a way of deepening their work and developing independent voices and approaches. Nicoll and Oreck challenge themselves and others to uncover what they mean by "student-centered," "inquiry-based," "problem-solving," "choice making," "construction of meaning," and "creativity," and strive to foster risk taking in a supportive environment.

Jessica Nicoll teaches dance technique and improvisation at Hunter College, the 92nd Street Y and Spoke the Hub Dancing and consults for a number of New York City arts in education organizations.

Barry Oreck teaches graduate education course at Long Island University, Brooklyn, the University of Connecticut and for SUNY Buffalo in the International Masters Program. He is the Director of Professional Development in the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. His articles and papers have been published in several Arts Education and Dance publications.