NEWS

NEWS

A Community of Teachers

by John Alecca

As schools navigated the twist and turns of uncertainties, there was one certain through-line:  teachers knew they needed support in keeping their students socially and emotionally healthy and engaged. We received an increase in requests to provide professional development services to teachers so they could connect with their students through virtual learning.

We have learned that students tuned in – and turned on their cameras – when arts learning was involved:

  • 71% of teachers reported improved student engagement with arts-integrated curriculum
  • 73% of teachers reported at least 90% of their students had their cameras on during artist residencies
  • 93% of teachers will continue to use arts integration techniques they learned

In partnership with Arts Ed Matters and with support from the California Arts Council, the MDUSD Education Foundation and the Lesher Foundation, we provided well over 49 hours of professional development within four Bay Area school districts: San Leandro Unified School District, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Cabrillo School District, and Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District. 

Featured image: A screenshot of “Magical Moments with Michelle,” a series of 10-minute videos that share tips for increasing mindfulness and creativity for parents, teachers, and kids (March 2021).