Tilles Center School   Partnership Program

The School Partnership is a unique arts-in-education program which provides opportunities for students to engage in, and learn from, arts experiences. Each project is connected to a professional performance or work of art aligned with the New York State Common Core Standards; connecting innovative, creative thinking to K-12 curriculum. Through experiential arts activities, students are provided with a rich array of content knowledge and unique perspectives on diverse cultures. Each partner program is carefully planned through collaboration with professional teaching artists and teachers in order to incorporate music, dance, drama and visual art experiences into the general education, art and music classrooms.

Teachers as Partners
Any teacher, from Pre-K through high school, in any subject area, may participate. No background or special talent is needed. All aspects of the program involve a deep partnership among teachers, art specialists, administrators, teaching artists and students.

Professional Development
Each new teacher in the program is invited to attend a professional development seminar, conducted by Tilles Center’s Department of Arts Education. During each seminar, participants engage in a series of workshops which allow teachers to experience the benefits of arts learning. All seminars are experiential and unique to the needs of the partner schools.

Projects
In the spring, each school’s team of teachers chooses the projects they will focus on for the coming year, selecting from a variety of high-caliber, world class performances at Tilles Center or art exhibits at local museums. Some artists are available to perform in schools.

Teaching Artist Visits
For each project, a Tilles teaching artist collaborates with the team teachers to plan and implement activities, develop curriculum connections and lead students in creative experiences related to the performance or work of art they will see. Partner teachers also receive a study guide that contains background information, activities and suggested resources.

For more information, contact Stephanie Turner, Director of Arts Education at 516.299.2752, stephanie.turner@liu.edu