Every year, teachers gather at conventions to learn, reflect, and reconnect. They attend keynotes, immerse themselves in workshops, and catch up with longtime colleagues—friends who have become more like family.
For 15 years, I’ve been part of these conventions in one way or another. This year, at Arts Commons, I had the privilege of curating 15 workshops over two days, creating space for Teaching Artists to share their expertise, passion, and creativity with classroom educators. The goal? To infuse creativity into the classroom, to spark curiosity, to remind teachers that they, too, are artists in their own right.
But this year felt different. There was an unfamiliar tension in the air. Was it exhaustion? A deep weariness from navigating an increasingly complex educational landscape?
And yet, amid that tension, something remarkable happened.
Some teachers were visibly moved—overcome with emotion simply by being given permission to play, to explore, to create without expectation or evaluation. There was no “right” way, no “wrong” way—just open invitations to notice, to experiment, to rediscover the joy of making.
What made you laugh until your stomach ached? What sparked a moment of wonder? What did you create that you couldn’t wait to share with others?
More and more, we heard teachers say:
I’m doing this for my own well-being.
I need more arts in my classroom.
For the first time, teachers weren’t just attending—they were lingering. They asked if they could stay in our spaces all day. Some wished their three-hour workshops could stretch into five. They craved this—needed this.
The arts have long been underestimated as a learning tool, often seen as an "extra" rather than essential. But after this year’s convention, one thing is clearer than ever: the arts are not just important. They are critical.
They connect us when we feel disconnected.
They ignite joy in difficult times.
They remind us why we teach.
In a world that often asks so much of educators, the arts give something back—renewal, inspiration, and a way forward.
So, let’s not just bring more arts into our classrooms. Let’s bring more arts into our lives.
