Connected Arts Networks (Can) Project Director
CurrentConnected Arts Networks (CAN) is a five-year grant initiative to create nationwide virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) with educators in visual arts, music, theater, dance and media arts, expanding the successful structure of the PLC program in New York City. Our mission is to build a sustainable model of professional learning for arts educators to strengthen their pedagogy, instruction and leadership skills in order to better serve students. After a nationwide search, 60 Teacher Leaders were selected to receive specialized professional learning in Social-Emotional Learning; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; and leadership skills. After a year of learning and personal growth, they graduated to lead their own virtual PLCs, joining the 85 NYC Teacher Leaders already facilitating local learning communities. Together, teacher leaders and about 1000 teacher participants around the country are engaged in action research to embed culturally responsive pedagogy into their arts instruction. They are leading the creation of digital resources, toolkits, and a framework for these content areas that will serve the entire arts education field.
