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Time:

Thursday
December, 19, 2019
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Meeting Room W179

Clinician(s)

Matt McCready

Matt McCready

[email protected]

Teaching Through Poverty: Removing the Barriers for Participation and Performance

Clinic Synopsis:

This session will examine findings and strategies related to understanding the impact of poverty on individual student learning and the effect it has on Fine Arts programs. The following questions will be addressed: Is it realistic to maintain bustling Fine Arts programs even though poverty rates are climbing? How can we maintain excellence while poverty increases? Are there actions we can take to minimize the impact of poverty on individual students and Fine Arts Programs?

Matt McCready - Biographical Information

Matt McCready is in his 22nd year in public education and his 14th with Union Public Schools.  He is currently in his sixth year as Director of Fine Arts, having previously served as Union’s Director of Bands.  Under his leadership, more than 90% of students in the district participate in a Fine Arts Department class or activity. Union has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation in both 2013 and 2017. Under his direction, the Union Band saw exponential growth in student participation while also receiving top rankings and ratings at numerous local, state, regional, and national events. During his tenure, Union’s marching band, The Renegade Regiment, was named a Bands of America (BOA) Grand Nationals Finalist twice.  The band also participated in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  McCready maintains an active schedule around the country as a musician, clinician, conductor, and adjudicator.

McCready is an active member of the Arts community, serving on the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra board of directors and the education committee.  He is also a member of the Oklahoma Department of Education Fine Arts Advisory Committee.

McCready is currently ABD working toward an Educational Leadership Doctoral Degree at Oklahoma State University in Tulsa. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas (KU) earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education. While attending KU, he was the assistant director of the men’s and women’s basketball bands during the 100th year of Kansas basketball.  He was also selected to be in the 1996 Walt Disney World All-American College Band. McCready is a native of Kansas City and is an avid Jayhawks fan as well as a die-hard Royals and Chiefs supporter. Matt is thankful for his beautiful and loving wife, Amy, who is also an administrator with Union Public Schools.

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