Visual art and drama provide comfortable, easy on ramps for students—and educators who may shy away from using the arts. When even the most hesitant teachers dip their toe in the arts, they too are convinced of this powerful way to teach and learn. Participants will explore the research and experience evidence-based visual art and drama activities they can lead with students to build literacy and SEL skills.

Kim Bowers Rheay Baran is a master teaching artist, working primarily for the Alliance Theatre Institute in Atlanta, GA. She is a professional singer/actress, certified Montessori teacher, and travels nationally as a Master Wolf Trap teaching artist. Kim specializes in early childhood and elementary education and professional development for teachers in arts integration. She participated in the curriculum development, implementation, and dissemination of two federal Arts Model grants for the Alliance Theatre Institute.