I have been an art educator at Brookview Elementary in the Waukee Community Schools for the past 10 years. I love my school community and believe deeply in our culture but also was in need of more research-based professional growth, geared directly for art teachers.

As a mom of two small children, while also teaching art full time, I found this program to be a realistic amount of work that felt meaningful. I enjoyed really focusing on a course at a time in the 8-week set up, and everything would build from one class to the next. I was able to apply many insights from course discussions directly in my classroom, as well as bring new artists and lesson ideas to my curriculum. The flow of the program is enhanced by the cohort and the connections, which invites deeper discussions over new learning and approaches.

I didn’t ever view myself as a researcher when it came to art education, what I found is that I am always trying to improve my teaching practice - and research is a wonderful entry point for that work! I am very thankful for my overall experience and will continue to recommend the program to my colleagues!