EP108: Ashley Adams, Executive Director of the AME Institute – TV Matters
Our esteemed guest today is Ashley Adams, Executive Director of the AME Institute, a non-profit organization that connects arts, media, and entertainment teachers to the creative industry through professional development workshops and learning experiences.
A week before recording today’s show, I had the pleasure of joining Ashley at the AME Institute’s popup event in San Francisco. The pop-up event allowed teachers to tour and learn from world-class media and technology companies such as Lucas Films, Dolby Laboratories, Adobe, San Francisco’s NPR member station KQED, BAVC Media, and Unity Technologies.
Before establishing her own venture, Ashley worked as a high school theatre teacher in San Diego, acted as an arts education consultant for schools and districts, and consulted for the California Department of Education.
Ashley has contributed exceptionally to California’s arts education sector over her 20+ year career. She holds a BA in English and Theatre from Middlebury College in Vermont and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education.
Finding Your Voice Through the Arts
In the world of education, the arts are often questioned for their value. Why should students spend time on theatre, music, or visual arts when they could be focusing on core subjects like math and science? But Ashley Adams, Executive Director of the AME Institute, believes the arts are essential for student development. This interview explores Ashley’s background in education and her passion for ensuring all students have access to high-quality arts programs.
A Life in the Arts
Misha Tenenbaum, the podcast host, begins by getting to know Ashley. He learns that Ashley’s love for the arts started in high school with theatre productions. “Theatre was where I first felt I could truly express myself,” Ashley says. “It was a space where I found my voice and discovered the power of collaboration.” Although she initially wanted to be an actor, she discovered a passion for directing in college. This love for collaboration and different artistic disciplines would become a defining characteristic of her career.
Why Theatre Matters
Misha asks Ashley the unavoidable question: why is theatre important in schools? Ashley answers from the perspective of both a student and an educator. “As a student, theatre provides a platform for self-discovery,” Ashley explains. “It allows you to step outside of yourself and explore different characters and perspectives. It builds confidence and teaches you valuable communication skills.” As a teacher, Ashley witnessed the power of theatre to help students explore their identities and develop self-confidence. “I saw firsthand how theatre could transform even the shyest students,” she recalls.
The Skills Employers Want
The conversation then shifts to the value of arts education from an industry standpoint. Ashley pushes back against the notion that arts classes are just for fun. “There’s a misconception that the arts are just about self-expression,” Ashley says. “While that’s important, arts classes also equip students with critical skills employers seek in today’s workforce.” She argues that these classes equip students with critical skills employers seek, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. She highlights the project-based nature of many arts programs, which mirrors the collaborative environment of many workplaces.
From Teacher to Leader
Misha delves into Ashley’s teaching career. Ashley describes her experience teaching theatre at San Diego High School and then being part of the founding staff at Canyon Crest Academy, a school with a strong focus on arts and technology. At Canyon Crest, Ashley was not only a teacher but also the director of the arts program. “This role allowed me to see the big picture of arts education,” Ashley says. “I witnessed the incredible impact a strong arts program could have on students’ lives, and I knew I wanted to find a way to share that experience with more students.” This role allowed her to see the bigger picture of arts education and ignited her curiosity about how different disciplines could collaborate within a school.
Building a Bigger Vision
Witnessing the disparity in arts education resources across different schools troubled Ashley. “I saw schools with limited resources struggling to offer any arts programming at all,” Ashley says. “This just wasn’t fair to the students in those schools.” She saw the incredible opportunities students at Canyon Crest had and wanted to ensure all students had access to similar experiences. This desire to create equity in arts education led Ashley to consulting for the California Department of Education and eventually to her current role as founder and Executive Director of the AME Institute.
The AME Institute: Empowering Arts Educators
The AME Institute is a non-profit organization that connects arts educators with the creative industries through professional development workshops and learning experiences. Ashley explains her passion for supporting arts teachers. “Teachers are the heart and soul of any arts program,” Ashley says. “By empowering them with the resources and professional development they need, we can create dynamic learning environments that inspire students.” The AME Institute’s national reach allows Ashley to share best practices and connect educators with industry professionals, ultimately benefiting students across the country.
The Power of Career-Focused Arts Education
The conversation concludes with Ashley discussing the importance of career-focused arts education. This approach emphasizes the practical skills students gain in arts classes and how those skills translate to real-world careers in the creative industries. “The arts are a booming industry,” Ashley points out. “There’s a growing demand for workers with skills in design, communication, and problem-solving – all skills that are nurtured in arts programs.” Ashley highlights the economic impact of the creative sector and the growing demand for workers with the skills nurtured in arts programs.
Finding Your Voice Through the Arts
Ashley Adams’ story is one of dedication to the arts and a belief in their transformative power. Her journey from high school theater to leading the AME Institute exemplifies her commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to find their voice through the arts. This conversation provides valuable insights for educators, parents, and anyone who believes in the importance of a well-rounded education that includes the arts.
