Submitted by JackPowers on Tue, 12/08/2009 - 02:17
INDUSTRY FOCUS
Graphic design, printing, publishing, advertising production, web development, digital photography, interactive multimedia, presentation graphics and digital signage
OUTREACH: GTExchange.org
The Commission's web site Graphics Teachers Exchange collects all of the group's news, events and resources on-line. Links include Shared Photos on Flickr, a Graphics Teachers Blog and a To Do list for prospective industry volunteers.
Industry vendors, developers, service companies and other employers help sponsor and support the Commission's events and teacher training activities. Labor unions like the Amalgamated Lithographers contribute training and materials. And members of the public are invited to donate through an on-line PayPal link.
CURRICULUM REVIEW
Commission members assist in the review and upgrading of CTE programs for New York State certification. Through regular meetings and professional development opportunities, teachers network and share with their peers who have navigated the Program Approval Process, and Comission members serve as industry partners in the effort.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Teacher training and professional development is especially important in the fast-changing Graphics field. Recent PD days with DeVry University have upgraded teacher hands-on skills, and the Commission's Graphics Teachers Technology Conferences have been helpful in focussing the latest industry tech developments, post-secondary pathways and innovative graphics teachers.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
The premier Graphics event is the Annual Citywide Graphic Arts Competition held each year at CUNY's CityTech. Now in its ninth year, the Competition tests students in head-to-head contests in six categories: Desktop Publishing & Design, Web Site Design, Powerpoint Presentation, Offset Printing, Digital Photography and -- new in 2010 -- Digital Video Production.
Graphics Commission members are leading figures in the graphic arts business in New York, cited for their work in education and industry organizations.
MENTORING, INTERNSHIPS & JOBS
Commission members provide internships and portfolio advice for students as well as externships for teachers. The Work Based Learning program at the flagship High School for Graphics Communication Arts is a model for career development.
SCHOLARSHIPS & PATHWAYS
A spin-off of the Graphics Commission, the Graphic Arts Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that awards college money to graphcis students in the metropolitan area. Founded in 2003, the Foundation has enabled scores of graphics scholars attending a wide range of leading schools including CUNY and SUNY schools, the Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons, Pratt Institute, the University of Pennsylvania and the Rochester Institute of Technology.
RESEARCH & ADVISORY CONTRIBUTION
Graphic Arts Industry Advisory Commission members serve on education and policy advisory groups both local and national. The work of the group was featured in the Center for an Urban Future study Schools That Work (PDF), and members have provided expert testimony to the New York City Council and the New York State Education Department.
