Teaching Tools and Strategies for Arts Educators
Oct 15, 2025 3:30PM—Apr 29, 2026 5:00PM
Location
Virtual
Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (Available until Sept 26) $1,055 members; $890 group-rate 3+; $1,660 non-members
Categories Curriculum & Pedagogy, Ongoing Program, Online, Teachers
Teaching Tools and Strategies for Arts Educators
SESSION 1: October 15, 2025 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm
SESSION 2: November 12, 2025 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm
SESSION 3: January 28, 2026 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm
SESSION 4: February 25, 2026 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm
SESSION 5: March 25, 2026 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm
SESSION 6: April 29, 2026 | 3:30pm - 5:30pm
ABOUT THIS ONLINE ONGOING PROGRAM
Co-facilitated by two veteran multidisciplinary arts educators, this ongoing virtual program will affirm and uplift the work of independent school arts teachers while offering tools and strategies to support their practice. As a learning cohort, we will explore the following essential questions in the interest of deepening the impact within our arts classrooms:
- How do we optimize the arts classroom for learning? What are students learning and practicing in addition to an artistic craft?
- How are we cultivating students' understanding of process?
- What does meaningful assessment look like in an arts class?
- How are students reflected in the curriculum and how are students learning to express their own ideas?
Throughout our collective exploration of these questions, we will use frameworks for classroom and thinking routines, social emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, assessment, and curriculum design. In this fun, collaborative, and supportive space, participants will connect and share their expertise through reflection and dialogue. This unique program is designed for independent school visual, performing and music arts educators who are eager to expand their practice in middle and upper school contexts.
Participants will:
- Reflect on what is working well in their classes, as well as areas for continued growth
- Understand how thinking routines and reflection on process can support student outcomes
- Explore different ways to build community in an arts class, and how this enriches the learning environment
- Practice building vocabulary for the fundamental role arts education plays in students’ academic, social, and personal development and success
AUDIENCE
Arts educators (visual, theater, dance and music, etc.) in middle and upper school divisions
Do you work at an independent school outside of California? Click here for a discount on our non-member registration!
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
From Oakland (Ohlone land), Mika Lemoine is a dancer, educator, speaker, and writer, and serves as the Operations Associate and Resident Teaching Artist at the Arts Education Alliance of the Bay Area. She holds a BA in Dance from UCLA’s department of World Arts and Cultures. Mika spent 11 years as a Senior Teaching Artist Mentor at Destiny Arts Center, holding space for young people to build community, leadership, and creativity through Hip hop and Street Dance and their lineage and social context. During her tenure there, she co-authored a 100 page Creative Youth Development curriculum guide for Hip hop and Street Dance educators and directed their pre-professional Destiny Junior Performance Company for 7 years. She is an alum of the Luna Dance Summer Institute, the Community Arts Education Leadership and Intercultural Institute, and ACOE’s Integrated Learning Specialist Program. Mika has facilitated professional development for UC Berkeley’s Teacher Education Program, American Conservatory Theater’s MFA Citizen Artists Program, the Museum of the African Diaspora, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education. She is deeply invested in antiracism and equity, and has offered group and individual coaching in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for Goodwin Proctor LLP, California Academy of Sciences, CashApp, and the City of San Francisco Racial Equity Arts Working Group. Mika values justice, creativity, connection, and inquiry.
Lauren Benjamin has cultivated a thriving career as a multidisciplinary artist and educator for over 20 years. Lauren earned her BFA in painting and photography and holds a Master’s in Education. She is an alum of dance epicenter Jacob’s Pillow and CATDC’s Leadership Fellows. She worked as a supervisor to student teachers at Mills College Graduate School of Education, where she was able to mentor and coach new teachers as well as experienced professionals new to the field of education. Lauren believes in sharing the power of identity development through the lens of the arts and has published her curriculum with Frameline Organization and presented at educational conferences, including conferences held by the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education (CASIE) and Project Zero of Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. During Lauren's eight-year tenure at Sacred Heart Schools Atherton, she held multiple roles including Dance Program Director and Fine Arts Department Chair. Her most recent position was Assistant Principal of Mission & Culture, where she centered belonging in the school’s adult onboarding and school-wide student programs. In 2023, Lauren joined the CATDC team as the Northern California Director, bringing her extensive experience in education and leadership to facilitate professional growth and collaboration among teachers in the region. She identifies as a love practitioner who aims to build community through her teaching practice and leadership.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.