Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)

Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) transforms the way students think and learn by providing training and curriculum for people to facilitate discussions of visual art that significantly increase student engagement, performance, and enjoyment of learning. We train educators to utilize the VTS method so that they are more effective in their own contexts and communities. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is an educational non-profit that trains educators in schools, museums, and institutions of higher education to use a student-centered facilitation method to create inclusive discussions. Our intensive professional development programs provide individuals with the tools to become skilled facilitators of complex conversations. Our accessible classroom curricula are supportive of critical thinking, visual literacy, communication, and collaboration skills. VTS is much more than an art curriculum; as a facilitation method and professional development program that fosters collaborative, inclusive, community-building dialogue, VTS has the power to change the way we relate to one another as teachers, students, and colleagues. VTS is comprised of arts and education professionals that specialize in deep listening and responsive teaching practices; we are passionate about sharing what we have learned with others. For over 30 years, VTS has fostered reflective communities of practice in educational environments including classrooms, museums, and hospitals around the world. VTS is uniquely suited to support educators as they rise to meet the challenges and opportunities of a 21st century education.