Launching the Year Artfully: How to Light a Spark and Create Community on Day One
Aug 05, 2025 9:00AM—12:00PM
Location
Virtual
Cost Early Bird Pricing for Members (available until July 15) $445 members; $390 group-rate 3+; $655 non-members
Categories Curriculum & Pedagogy, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Online, School Leaders, Social & Emotional Learning, Staff, Summer Institute, Teachers
Do you work at an independent school outside of California? Click here for a discount on our non-member registration!
ABOUT THIS SUMMER INSTITUTE
The first days of a new school year are a critical time for creating classroom community and getting students excited to learn, connect, and share the story of who they are. Join Rebecca Bellingham and Veronica Scott for a virtual workshop on using artful practices to explore identity, foster belonging, and set the stage for a joyful year.
Participants will:
- Explore picture books, poems, and pop culture as resources to learn for self-growth
- Learn about how to help students find their spark by teaching with an “artful approach”
- Develop fresh, low-stakes methods for exploring identity at the beginning of the year (Like identity maps with a twist!)
- Write “Express Yourself” poems to use with student writers as mentor texts
- Prepare proactively for facilitating meaningful reflections and complex conversations
- Engage in artful reflections that support, sustain, and uplift
AUDIENCE
This program is ideal for K-6 Teachers, DEIB Directors, Deans of Students, and Lower School Directors.
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Veronica Scott
Rebecca Bellingham
Veronica Scott and Rebecca Bellingham are the authors of The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging, and The Artful Read Aloud. They bring their experience as K-8 educators, school leaders, and artists to offer a creative and engaging approach to professional development and student leadership. They met leading literacy and DEIB professional development at Francis Parker School in San Diego.
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.