TEACHING ARTIST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning’s Teaching Artist Professional Development Program (CAL TAPD.25) offers a hands-on, immersive opportunity for artists in Northeast Ohio who are passionate about their art and want to explore becoming teaching artists. A teaching artist is a professional who combines their artistic practice with teaching, using their art to inspire and engage students in the learning process.
We are seeking 8 professional artists interested in expanding their careers to include teaching youth (PreK–12th grade). The program will provide the tools to integrate creativity into education, empowering students and communities through art while fostering valuable life skills. Upon completion of the program and an audition, artists may have the opportunity to join CAL’s roster of teaching artists, leading to future work in venues across Northeast Ohio.
Artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
By the end of the program, participants will gain:
A deeper understanding of arts-based teaching strategies to build new skills and confidence in working with youth in Pre-K through 12th grade
Mentorship and feedback to strengthen their teaching practice
Opportunity to join CAL’s roster of teaching artists
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
$800 Stipend for completing the program’s 6 modules and related assessments, paid in two equal installments after completing the core modules and assessments.
Training & Mentorship: Learn from experienced teaching artists and receive feedback from a mentor in your artistic field.
Arts-Integrated Lesson Support: Develop arts-integrated lessons and gain hands-on teaching experience with students.
Networking & Professional Development: Connect with other teaching artists and arts education professionals.
Future Teaching Opportunities: Opportunity to join CAL’s roster of teaching artists upon completion of the program for future paid work.
Lunch Provided: During all in-person sessions
This is an intensive program that meets once a week. Full attendance is required, as missing even one session may result in removal from the cohort. Consistency is crucial to your success in the program.
The program includes sessions working with youth participants. A background check is required.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS
Session Dates:
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 1-hour lunch provided
Friday, February 20, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Friday, March 6, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026
Friday, March 20, 2026
Program Implementation Dates:
Monday, March 30, 2026 - Thursday, April 2, 2026
(1-hour individual program implementations will be scheduled for each participant on one of these dates. Must be available for at least two dates, as scheduling will vary.)
Location:
2/20, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 - Disciples Christian Church, 3663 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH
2/27, 3/30 - 4/2 - Garfield Elementary School, 3800 W 140th St, Cleveland, OH 44111
Once accepted into the program, each artist will be paired with a mentor in their artistic field. Mentors will provide feedback and guidance based on their experience in arts education and working with CAL programs in different settings and with students of all ages.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We are seeking 8 professional artists who are passionate about both their art and teaching. Applicants must be ready to work with students in creative, impactful ways and committed to arts education.
We welcome applicants from all artistic backgrounds. (Ex: visual artists, music, dance, theater, spoken word etc.)
IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL:
Be a working artist interested in expanding their career in education to inspire and engage youth in Pre-K through 12th grade
Be passionate about making a positive community impact through teaching
Be committed to professional development in arts education
Be able to attend all program sessions and auditions
Complete a background check (required for all participants, and must be submitted by February 18, 2026)
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED.
Employee Sponsorship Opportunity
Organizations have the option to sponsor an employee to participate in the Teaching Artist Professional Development Program.
- Sponsorship Fee: $1,000 per employee
- The sponsored employee will receive full access to all program benefits, including mentorship, training, and hands-on teaching experience with students.
Employers interested in learning more about this option can contact Christine Madden, Chief Operating Officer, at christine@arts-inspiredlearning.org.
PROGRAM TOPICS
Each course outlined below will train TAs in best practices and strengthen their understanding of the needs of youth participants.
-
Participants will:
Be able to define what a teaching artist is
Reflect and understand the “why” behind their intention to become a TA
Meet their mentor Teaching Artists to hear of their successes and challenges within the field. Participants will observe their mentors teaching in a school.
-
Participants will:
Learn what arts-integration is and gain the skills and confidence to implement it.
Explore ways to develop and write a lesson plan as it connects to the Ohio Department of Education standards and Social-Emotional Learning.
Receive new strategies and techniques for program creation and real-time feedback from their peers, mentors, and CAL staff ensuring the creation of a well-rounded program for whole child development. PD will address how to adapt for a range of variables including, learning styles, ability levels, and unforseen circumstances.
-
This foundational workshop introduces practices that support positive, respectful, and engaging learning environments.
Participants will:
Reflect on how experiences and culture influence communication and behavior
Develop tools for engaging students with diverse perspectives and needs
Practice strategies that foster trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging for all participants]
-
When: Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2, 2026 (1 hour audition TBD)
Program Implementation allows Teaching Artists the opportunity to apply their program created in previous sessions to youth with one of CAL’s partner venues.
-
Upon completing the course, participants will be prepared to apply their learning across a wide range of professional contexts, including in-school and out-of-school settings, community-based programs, independent artistic practice, and arts administration or program support roles. While some participants may be invited to pursue opportunities with CAL after the program, including potential placement on the CAL roster, the primary focus is on developing transferable skills that can benefit arts and educational communities beyond any single organization or setting.
