MoNA Link:
Learning Through the Arts
About MoNA Link
MoNA Link provides comprehensive art education for students from Pre-K to High school, in school districts throughout Skagit, Whatcom and Island Counties. The program has a strong focus on art integration across curriculum and includes three components:
1. Museum educators visit classrooms to model collaborative teaching that links museum exhibitions, art skills, and grade-level curriculum, aligning with state learning standards.
2. Students are invited to visit MoNA two times a year to see new exhibitions, learn art techniques, and develop the skills to speak and write about art with confidence. One of these needs to be an in-person field trip to MoNA and the other can be a “Mobile Museum” visit in which MoNA staff visits the classroom and leads a discussion and hands-on project based on the current exhibition.
3. MoNA Link teachers participate in a one-year professional development program covering visual art concepts, hands-on art making, Visual Thinking Strategies and an overview of Northwest art.
Impact
Since 2003, the program has served over 9,985 students and provided training for 202 teachers (updated May 2024) in the school districts of Anacortes, Bellingham, Burlington-Edison, Concrete, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Mount Baker, Sedro-Woolley and Stanwood-Camano. The program encourages children to become confident communicators, engaged listeners, active observers, and creative problem solvers. MoNA Link builds vital skills for today’s students and educators.
Proven Method
MoNA Link utilizes Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), a research-based teaching method that improves critical thinking, language and observation skills through discussion of visual art. Studies since 1991 have shown that VTS builds critical thinking skills that transfer to writing, math, social studies, and science. VTS provides measurable academic growth in students with varying ethnicities, income levels, and school achievement. Over two to three years, VTS students demonstrate significantly greater academic growth than control groups.
Clock Hours
Teachers can earn approximately 42 clock hours over the one-year program. Each Summer Institute offers 21 hours and the three full-day trainings are seven hours each, for a total of 21 more by the end of one school year. Teachers are responsible for paying for their own clock hours unless they receive a scholarship.
If you are a teacher, administrator, parent or community member who would like more information on this exciting education opportunity, please contact our Education Department at education@museumofnwart.org or 360-466-4446.
Child Protection Policy
MoNA requires that minors participating in MoNA Link, Early Enrichment, and other events or programs are to be accompanied at all times by an adult or a school-designated representative when at the museum.
Application
Click below to apply! Applications close June 1. You can view the 2024 Summer Institute Agenda here.
MoNA Link Testimonials:
“The partnership between B-ESD and MoNA creates a transformative synergy, merging our mission to educate each student for lifelong success with MoNA's dedication to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting Pacific Northwest art. Together, we empower students through rich, artistic experiences, fostering a lifelong appreciation for creativity and cultural heritage.”
- Assistant Superintendent
