Culturally-Relevant Arts-Integration + SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
Educators, parents/caregivers, counselors, advocates and children recognize the positive benefits of feeling seen, heard, and connected to one another. We instinctively know that arts and culture provide pathways for all of this, including self-expression, learning, transforming practices and even—healing.
Since 2014, as part of the LA County Arts Education Collective, LA County Department of Arts and Culture, and LA County Office of Education (specifically their Center for Online and Distance Learning) have partnered to develop and produce TEAL, or Technology Enhanced Arts Learning, professional development for K-6 teachers, staff and adults who support children. The goal is to increase equitable access to the arts for ALL students by expanding K-6 teachers’ capacity to provide culturally relevant, integrated arts instruction which centers on social emotional learning (SEL).
As of 2022, TEAL has served nearly 8,500 educators from 126 school districts, charters, and private schools across LA County and CA through the TEAL Online Modules. No less than 2,037 educators have experienced the live professional development and received customized coaching and technical assistance.
TEAL offers a blended-learning model of conceptual, experiential, and reflective practice in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Professional Development and coaching sessions are facilitated by CDOL, teaching artists and special guests with the goal of sharing how the arts can be used to nurture access, equity and inclusion for all students.