Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab

Applications for the 2017-2018 program are now closed.  Click here to request information on the 2018-2019 application process. 

The Washington State Teaching Artist Training (TAT) Lab is a seven-month professional development program with a focus on supporting arts education as part of basic education in K-12 schools. Participants benefit from ongoing learning over seven months, individualized coaching from master Teaching Artists, connections to state and national organizations, and peer learning and reflection. The TAT Lab cohort will include up to 32 Teaching Artists, working in all artistic disciplines and all regions of Washington State. Click here to download the full TAT Lab Program Description. 

The program runs September - March. Participant responsibilities include:

• Attendance at 3 in-person trainings lasting 2-3 days and taking place in Seattle
• Participation in monthly teleconferences for small group learning
• Complete readings and assignments following given deadlines
• Teach at least one workshop or residency between December and February.

Attendance at all in-person sessions and teleconferences is mandatory.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

TAT Lab is based on the philosophy that reflective practice and thoughtful planning are essential to effective educational experiences, and a key building block for partnering with schools and classroom teachers. TAT Lab defines teaching artists as individuals who are both artists and educators: they are professional artists who are dedicated to arts education as an integral part of their professional practice; they cultivate skills as educators in concert with their skills as artists.

TAT Lab focuses on arts education in K-12 public schools. Working to ensure all students receive high quality arts education as part of basic education, with teaching artists playing a significant role, is core to the program philosophy. TAT Lab participants also work outside of K-12 schools; there is no one way to be a teaching artist. TAT Lab curriculum covers foundational concepts that support good teaching practice in a wide range of settings.

TAT LAB CURRICULUM

TAT Lab curriculum is informed by four key questions:

• What unique qualities do teaching artists bring to a classroom?
• What are "reflective practice" and "thoughtful planning" and why are they important?
• How can we teach arts skills along with higher order thinking skills and habits of mind?
• How do we create safe, inclusive and effective learning environments for all students?

With these questions in mind, the TAT Lab will address both philosophical and nuts-and-bolts aspects of teaching artist practice, with a focus on instructional design: developing and articulating clear arts learning objectives and assessment strategies.

Join the Lab to:

• Learn about best practices in arts education through in-person workshops, reading assignments and discussion
• Develop strong and effective learning plans
• Receive ongoing, individualized support from teaching artist mentors and peers
• Learn how to collaborate with K-12 teachers and use state standards to support your work
• Connect with a community of dedicated teaching artists
• Gain skills to assess student learning in the arts
• Understand the role of social justice within the world of arts education
• Engage with 21st Century Skills and Habits of Mind

PROGRAM HISTORY & PARTNERS

We are grateful to the organizations that jointly created the original version of the TAT Lab in 2005: Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Shakespeare Theatre Company in D.C., and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. We are especially grateful to the Seattle Rep for their role in evolving the model to serve all artistic disciplines, and partnering with the Washington State Arts Commission to develop the current statewide program, which was launched in 2011. After three successful years and 100 graduates, Seattle Children’s Theatre became the hosting partner in 2014, joining other founding partners: the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, 

Pacific Northwest Ballet, Book-It Repertory Theatre, and Arts Corps. Current faculty bios are available here.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for the 2017-18 program are now closed, stay tuned for more information on the 2018-2019 program! 

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Hannah Kaye at SCT or Lisa Jaret at the Washington State Arts Commission with any questions about the TAT Lab program or application process.