An Arts Oasis for Educators
By Sandy Seufert, Program Director
Teachers and principals from the Turnaround Arts California statewide network gathered this January for a two-day retreat at Inner-City Arts, an arts oasis in Downtown LA. With these being difficult times for our schools, students and families, educators made the intentional choice to step away from their campuses and come together to exchange ideas, learn new arts education strategies, and play. They arrived tired but hopeful. They left feeling energized and inspired.
“It always feels so nice to immerse myself in art for pleasure and joy,” one attending teacher shared, “I can bring that back to my team and my class.”
The retreat created space not just for learning new arts integration strategies, but for reconnecting educators to their passion and purpose. Research has shown that the most effective teacher training programs employ “active learning”, or providing teachers an opportunity to engage in the same style of learning they are designing for their students. Through hands-on workshops, peer exchange, and collaborative planning, teachers experienced the arts as learners themselves—reminding them how creativity fuels curiosity, confidence, and joy.
Stepping out of their usual environment also gives educators a chance to see themselves and each other in entirely new ways. Once principal said:
“The retreat gave me the opportunity to reflect on Turnaround Arts at my school and the work needed to integrate the arts. I was inspired by the other schools to create a more cohesive program.”
Another teacher shared:
“The retreat was a great way to connect with other like-minded teachers, become inspired, and was much-needed as a mid-year getaway. Turnaround Arts helps us discover the joy in what we do as educators so we can pass along our passion for life within the walls of our classrooms. Every educator needs to be Turnaround Arts trained – the world would be a much better place!”
In a Post-Covid time where teachers are still recovering from distance learning and isolation, compounded by the trauma being experienced in our school communities, opportunities to come together are so important. Each year, Turnaround Arts California supports its network of teachers and principals with rich in-person professional development and collaboration opportunities. That is the “secret sauce”—not just strategies and resources, but meaningful human connection.
When teachers feel inspired, students feel it too. Our incredible school network proves what we know to be true: we are stronger and more creative when we come together.
Special thanks to our partners who helped make this retreat possible:
Arts Education Connection San Diego
Collaborations: Teachers and Artists
Inner-City Arts
Dr. Akida Kissane Long
makeSpace
Kathyn Ann Myers
NorCal Arts
Judith Ramirez
Sam Tidwell
