University of Arkansas ARTeacher Fellowship Program Accepting 2020 Applications

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ARTeacher Fellows Tina South, left, and Penny Springmann examine a mixed-media installation in the galleries of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The ARTeacher Fellowship is seeking bright and dedicated teachers for the ninth year of its successful and innovative professional learning program.

The application period is now open, and the deadline to apply is Feb. 10. Download the ARTeacher Fellowship application.

The ARTeacher Fellowship is organized by the University of Arkansas Center for Children and Youth in collaboration with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Walton Arts Center. Last year, the Center for Children and Youth received the 2019 Governor's Arts Award for arts in education.

The ARTeacher Fellowship provides secondary teachers with an intensive course of training and development focused on using arts-based strategies in the English, science, or social studies classroom. First-year Fellows receive a $1,000 stipend for their participation and successful completion of the program.

Ten teachers will be chosen by a selection panel to participate in the year-long fellowship. To be considered, applicants should be in their third year or greater of teaching English, science, or social studies in grades 7-12, and demonstrate a keen interest in learning and implementing well-designed arts strategies with students. Fellows who successfully complete their first year may be selected to continue for a second and third year to further develop their expertise.

"We believe that, just as with students, teachers thrive when rigor, relevance and relationships are at the core of their work," said Hung Pham, director for the Center for Children and Youth. "The previous years of the ARTeacher Fellowship have shown how arts integration can empower subject area teachers to deepen and invigorate their students' learning while igniting both teacher and student creativity."

In addition to their in-class teaching, fellows have presented on arts integration at conferences across the state as well as nationally.

"I attribute so much of my growth to [the ARTeacher Fellowship program," said Julie Griggs, a 2016-18 fellow. "ARTeacher challenges me to stretch and to view myself as a professional beyond just my classroom — not just in arts integration but in all aspects of my career." Griggs was selected as the 2018 Teacher of the Year at Bentonville High School, where she teaches English.

The Center for Children and Youth is an endowed initiative housed in the U of A College of College of Education and Health Professions, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.