University of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools To Celebrate Results of Department of Education Grant for Arts Integration

August 23, 2021

Note: The photo above was taken at a shadow puppetry workshop. The photo below showcases the the groups participating in the Arts Integrated Learning Certificate program. Both photos were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, VA — Nearly 200 Richmond Public Schools educators have received training through the Arts Integrated Learning Certificate program in the School of Professional & Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond.

Group shotThis certificate program is the result of a partnership between RPS and the University’s Partners in the Arts program, which was awarded a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2017 to support a commitment to transform instruction in schools through arts integration.

This week, UR and RPS will celebrate the conclusion of this four-year grant and the two groups of teachers who participated in the multi-year program. The celebration will take place Aug. 26, from 5-7 p.m., in the Modlin Center for the Arts, Camp Concert Hall.

The Partners in the Arts program focuses on improving instructional practice and connecting educators and students to the region’s vibrant arts and cultural community.

“RPS has been a steadfast partner since the inception of Partners in the Arts in 1994,” said PIA Director Rob McAdams. “It was humbling to see these educators engage and empower all learners, even when teaching virtually, by using the arts to help students connect their learning to the world around them.”

“RPS values the focus on high quality teaching and learning,” said Autumn Nabors, director of curriculum and instruction. “This program has expanded and energized support for teacher professional development to ultimately develop well-rounded students.”

Teacher participants gave the program high marks.

  • “It transformed my entire teaching and curriculum ideology.”
    –7th grade teacher, Binford Middle School
  • “Art integration opens life-long learning doors for a better world filled with creativity, communication, collaborations and critical thinking.”
    –Exceptional Education teacher, Binford Middle School.
  • “I truly felt that they were all invested in, not just us as teachers, but were committed to the achievement of the students in Richmond Public Schools.”
    –Woodville Elementary teacher

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