The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has awarded Washington state’s Teaching Artist Training Lab (TAT Lab) $25,000 to further professional development for art educators.
“You can’t move the needle for students without first investing in their educators,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. “For this reason, we appreciate the NEA’s support in building strong art educator communities throughout Washington so we may continue to nurture the arts as a pillar of basic education.”
The TAT Lab is a seven-month professional development program focused on supporting the arts as part of basic education in K-12 schools.
Participants benefit from ongoing learning, individualized coaching from master teaching artists, connections to state and national organizations, and peer learning and reflection. The TAT Lab cohort will include up to 32 Teaching Artists, working in all artistic disciplines and all regions of Washington state.
The TAT Lab curriculum is informed by four key questions:
– What unique qualities do teaching artists bring to a classroom?
– What are “reflective practice” and “thoughtful planning,” and why are they important?
– How can we teach arts skills along with critical thinking skills, as well as other life skills, such as persistence and attention to detail?
– How do we create safe, inclusive, and effective learning environments for all students?
“The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as Washington’s TAT Lab in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences.”
The TAT Lab is part of a partnership between the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Washington State Arts Commission. (TAT) Lab is a seven-month professional development program with a focus on supporting arts education as part of basic education in K-12 schools.
– Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
