Professional Development (for Educators) // Creative Connections

Creative Connections: SEL Through Contemporary Art with the ArtReach Learning Portal

In this hands-on professional development workshop, educators will learn two creative projects, based on contemporary art practices, that integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Participants will explore how these art forms can encourage self-expression, emotional processing, and social connection in the classroom. The session will also introduce the ArtReach Learning Portal, offering resources and tools to support SEL-focused art education. Educators will leave with ready-to-implement projects and access to a rich digital platform for continued learning and inspiration.

This professional development workshop will focus on strategies art educators can use to incorporate contemporary artists into their lesson plans and to strengthen their confidence in speaking to and teaching from contemporary art. Focusing on artists from California, the San Diego/Tijuana border region, and arts resources within San Diego County, this workshop will provide culturally relevant touchstones for lesson development that reflect the intersectional identities of San Diego students. The session will provide hands-on art making activities that can then be applied directly in classrooms. In addition to supporting culturally responsive curriculum and contemporary arts focus, the lessons will also promote social emotional learning (SEL) by engaging the 5 SEL competencies of CASEL 5. Participants will walk away with resources, strategies, and lessons to immediately implement in their classrooms. All lessons are supported by the National Core Arts Standards.

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