From Binford to Brazil: University of Richmond program puts integrated learning to the test internationally

University of Richmond’s Partners in the Arts (PIA) program is expanding to an international audience this month.

Rob McAdams, interim director of PIA, will take the same arts integration model and teacher-training methods that twenty teachers from Binford Middle School in Richmond received during the summer to sixth and ninth-grade educators and students in Braco do Norte, Brazil.

“How we learn is universal and timeless,” said McAdams, who will travel to Brazil Oct. 11-25. “I believe the differences in language and cultures will actually enhance an integrated learning process.”

“Arts integration allows educators to discover how their students are curious and develop ways to differentiate their instruction to reach each student where and how they are as a learner,” he added.

This opportunity to work with teachers, artists and students in Brazil is funded by a travel grant provided by the U.S. State Department through Partners for the Americas Virginia-Santa Catarina chapter.

The PIA program is offered through Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies and provides arts integration training and project support to local teachers. Arts integration involves working with PreK-12 educators to engage and empower them with the tools to reach students by utilizing creativity in the classroom.

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