Before the Residency
Your residency starts soon. Who initiates contact with the classroom teacher?
The Teaching Artist initiates contact and leads the relationship with the classroom teacher.
Your opening activity falls flat. What do you do?
Adapt in the moment: simplify the task, model it differently, switch to a physical or group activity, or try another entry point.
You emailed the teacher twice with no response. What’s your next move?
Follow up, then loop in 92NY if you still cannot connect: Reach out → Follow up → Loop in 92NY.
You need supplies for an upcoming lesson. When should you identify them?
Identify supply needs at least 14 business days ahead and use the supply request process. The run of show names Maya as the supplies contact; confirm the exact steps before presenting this clue.
Who is your payroll contact?
Jacqueline.
How far ahead should you initiate contact and identify supply needs?
At least 14 business days before the residency.
Students are disengaged. Name one way to bring them back in.
Change the pace, give a clear model, offer a choice, use an opening ritual, or invite the classroom teacher to help.
After your first session, when do you check in with SEA?
Send SEA a brief check-in within 24 hours of Session 1.
You’ll be 15 minutes late. Who needs to know?
Contact the school and your SEA program contact promptly so they can plan for the delay. Confirm the required call/text order before presenting this as a fixed procedure.
What system do you use to submit your hours?
TCP. Submit hours by the payroll deadlines; late submissions may delay pay.
Who leads the planning meeting with the classroom teacher?
The Teaching Artist leads it, including preparing the agenda and confirming goals, schedule, and classroom needs.
A student can’t participate in an activity as planned. What do you do?
Adapt the activity so the student can participate meaningfully; collaborate with the classroom teacher and seek SEA support when needed.
Your teacher asks to move every Tuesday session to Thursday. What do you do?
Don’t independently commit to a significant schedule change. Bring the request to your SEA program contact and coordinate the response.
It’s 7:00 AM, and you’re too sick to teach. What are your first steps?
Notify the required SEA and school contacts immediately and begin the approved substitute or cancellation process.
When should planning for a culminating event begin?
4–6 weeks ahead.
Besides class dates, name two events that belong on your residency calendar.
Any two: performances, field trips, showcases, planning meetings, or other residency dates.
A classroom challenge has continued for two weeks. When should SEA hear about it?
Early, while there’s time to help—not at the end of the residency.
Complete the phrase: “Reach out → ___ → ___.
Follow up → Loop in 92NY.
The school asks you to add a performance that wasn’t in the plan. Can you agree on the spot?
No. Bring the request to SEA so the team can review the schedule, scope, and resources before committing.
How soon after the final session is your final check-in due?
Within 24 hours of the final session.
You’re about to teach Session 1 but haven’t reviewed the curriculum or spoken with the teacher. What needs to happen before you begin?
Connect with the teacher, confirm the first session and schedule, review the curriculum and goals, and prepare an appropriate lesson plan. Follow-up: What support would you seek if the start is imminent?
What are two things a successful arts lesson should give students a chance to do or feel?
Create belonging, invite participation, offer meaningful artistic expression, and help students feel capable and included.
Your schedule changes. Is telling the classroom teacher enough?
No. Communicate schedule changes to SEA immediately as well.
Your lesson plan isn’t meeting this group’s needs. How do you respond, and who can help?
Adjust the instructions to fit the students, tell SEA what’s happening, and ask for help early. You’re not expected to solve every classroom challenge alone.
Name three things you must complete after the last class.
Any three: complete documentation, submit reports/reflections and the End-of-Residency Survey within 10 business days, confirm final TCP hours, return materials, and thank the school.