Emile Birch guides students
in a sculpture activity
photo by Althea Haropulos

Inspired Learning Through the Arts
Professional Development Model for Educators and Administrators

VSA arts of NH wants educators and administrators in every NH school to become advocates for arts learning in their schools and to integrate arts activities into their classrooms. We are working with the NH Department of Education, Plymouth State University, RMC Research, Main Street Academix, SERESC (Southeastern Regional Education Service Center), VSA arts and others to develop a comprehensive professional development system for arts integration and inclusion in schools so that every child may reach their full potential.

Program components include:

Students work with Robert Rossel
photo by Althea Haropulos

• Arts-In-Education Summer Institute
• Follow-up mentoring for educators and administrators
• Mini-units designed to integrate arts activities into core curriculum
• Portfolios: alternative assessment training
• Student Photo Documentary
• Scientifically based research to assess change in teacher practice and improved learning for special needs students

"Teachers were not only involved in the [VSA arts of NH integration training] process but are already talking about what projects they would like to work on for next school year. Throughout the time students spent with the classroom teachers, it was so apparent that we had reached our goal of acceptance and tolerance. We witnessed teams of students working together that we could not have predicted being successful. Students were helping one another and accepting feedback from other students, faculty, and the artists."
    - Santina Thibedeau, Principal, Brentwood School, Merrimack

TJ Wheeler at Easter Seals in Lancaster

For further information on this program contact our office at 603-228-4330 or info@vsaartsnh.org