The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) has announced that 20 exceptional educators from various regions of the state have been chosen to participate in a prestigious program that aims to infuse arts and creativity into the classroom. This innovative initiative invites top educators to engage in hands-on training sessions, followed by the implementation of a full semester of arts activities within their classrooms.
Known as the Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teachers, this program is a collaborative effort between the IAC and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). Its primary objective is to celebrate and support outstanding educators throughout the state as they implement creativity-centered innovation in their teaching practices.
Extensive research has shown that creative teaching strategies, also known as arts integration, yield numerous benefits for students. These strategies enhance student engagement, improve learning retention, and foster stronger literacy skills.
The selected educators, who comprise the 2023-2024 Creative Educator Cohort, include Anna Grant from Jasper High School (Dubois County), Rebecca Harris from White River Valley Middle School (Greene County), Rita Eblin from Washington High School (Daviess County), and Lori Vandeventer from Eastern Greene High School (Greene County). These educators will have the opportunity to attend a series of virtual learning sessions and will receive two immersive days of hands-on training. They will also gain insights into connecting creativity with state standards, benefit from fully funded in-school creative arts residencies, and receive a $1,000 honorarium for their participation.
For more information about the Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teachers and other programs offered by the Indiana Arts Commission, interested individuals can visit their official website at https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services.
The Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana Department of Education extend their congratulations to the selected educators and express their enthusiasm for the impact these innovative teaching methods will have on Indiana students.