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On August 28, new lecturer in music education Jaqueline Smith received the Gordon Clark Ramsey Award for Creative Excellence for her work as adjunct faculty member at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School. Named for longtime Hartt adjunct Gordon Clark Ramsey, the award is given for sustained scholarly or creative work related to classroom teaching.

During her time at Hartt, Smith created the Prism Project, a performing arts experience for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other exceptionalities. Participants were paired with a University of Hartford student buddy to rehearse every Sunday in preparation for an end of semester production. In 2018 there were 28 buddies from five schools and colleges who worked with 18 children; Smith is currently conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of this program.

Smith also conducted scholarly research on approaches to teaching music to children with ASD, and found that many music educators and music therapists are incorporating evidence-based support strategies in their music classes, ensembles and music therapy sessions. “Music educators continue to need support and professional development from special education professionals and administrators on strategies for working with students with ASD,” commented Smith.

More recently, Smith co-authored an article published in the Arts Education Policy Review Journal titled “Reflections on music teacher professional development: Teacher-generated policies and practices.”