The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford is holding a free workshop for teachers focused on the importance of the arts in education on Aug. 13.

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Teachers from around Connecticut are invited to attend ARTS Alive!, a free, in-person workshop at the University of Saint Joseph on Tuesday, Aug. 13. ARTS Alive will showcase the importance of the arts in K-12 education, said program organizer Andrea Penny Spencer, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Education at USJ.

“Integrating the arts into the K-12 curriculum fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for overall academic success,” said Spencer. “Equally as important, the arts promote self-awareness, emotional expression, and empathy, engaging and inspiring learners of all ability levels from diverse linguistic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.”

Members of USJ’s faculty will present five 50-minute workshop sessions focusing on introduction to coursework in Arts Integration with takeaway strategies that teachers can use as they begin their 2024-2025 school year. Workshop topics include Visual Arts, Multiple Intelligences, Music, Dance and Museum Studies.

Ann Sievers. Courtesy photo

Ann H. Sievers, director and curator of the Art Museum at USJ will lead “Object-ify Your Class,” exploring the use of original works of art in teaching and practice using object-based techniques to engage students and promote observation and critical thinking skills.

Caitlin Myer. Courtesy photo

“Setting the Stage” with Caitlin Myer, USJ adjunct professor and director of Education of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will provide practical strategies for educators to incorporate a variety of targeted music experiences across the curriculum that enhance student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking skills and build a positive classroom environment.

Mary-Grace Cianci. Courtesy photo

“Spark Learning with Multiple Intelligences” with Mary-Grace Cianci, USJ adjunct professor, will introduce educators to the power of multiple intelligences in the classroom, instructing them on the core principles and practical activities that can be implemented to engage all learners and ignite their potential.

Don Siler. Courtesy photo

USJ Associate Professor Don Siler, program director of Secondary Education will instruct attendees on “The Visual Arts: Concepts and Methods for Effective Integration.” This workshop will provide teachers with practical ideas and methods to integrate visual arts into their classrooms and explore some of the many ways visual arts integration can affect engagement, understanding, and other aspects of student identity development.

Susan Murphy. Courtesy photo

And “Rhythms of Learning: The Power of Dance in the Classroom” with Susan Murphy, assistant professor of Dance at USJ will include practical methods for incorporating dance as a dynamic and rhythmic element of learning experiences that stimulate students’ minds and bodies, enhancing memory, creativity, and collaboration.

Learn more about ARTS Alive! and register here: usj.edu/artsalive.