CAL Teaching Artist Broadens Skillset, Meets Students' Academic Needs During Remote Learning

“Every student’s day is different from another, so you have to be on your toes ready to jump from one schedule to something completely different.” ~Rachel Torowski, CAL Teaching Artist

Responding swiftly and safely to pandemic needs, CAL’s new Academic Learning Pods (ALPs) have been providing support for students during remote schooling. CAL ALPs also provide supplemental arts education during downtime in the school day. We interviewed CAL Teaching Artist Rachel Torowski about her time spent teaching in the CAL ALP.

CAL: What has it been like working at the ALP?

Rachel: It has opened me up to many new learning experiences. Some of my responsibilities throughout the day include setting up a clean and safe environment, keeping students focused and engaged during their zoom meetings, helping them with their school work, providing supplemental [arts] activities for them during breaks and free times, communicating with parents and guardians about their child’s day, and communicating with teachers about their student’s schedule and school work.

CAL: What has been your professional growth as a teaching artist during your time with the ALP?

Rachel: I am definitely a different teaching artist today than I was before I started this program. Every student has different needs to help them be the best student possible which has helped me learn to adapt to individual learning styles. I have learned to wear multiple hats. I am so thankful for the opportunity CAL has given me to work at this program and for all the CAL staff and teachers I have worked with to help me grow into a more versatile teaching artist.