The Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is designed to assist cultural organizations throughout the nation develop and expand educational partnerships with their local school systems with a special emphasis on the professional development of teachers. In 1992, this program was awarded the Association of Performing Arts Presenters' Dawson Award, which recognizes innovative and successful projects.

The Partners in Education program is based on the belief that the professional development of teachers is an essential component of any effort designed to increase the artistic literacy of young people. The Kennedy Center's extensive experience with its local professional development program, established in 1976, provides the basis for this national program. Currently, 74 communities in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Mexico participate in the program.

Partnership teams consist of a representative of a cultural organization and a representative of a neighboring school system. In 1997, Carnegie Hall and Greenbrier County Schools were one of only ten teams selected to participate in the Partners in Education program. The program includes:

a five-day Institute that offers partnership teams program models and planning strategies for establishing or expanding professional development programs in the arts for all teachers

follow-up consultation to assist in program development, and current information on legislation and policy affecting schools and arts education

annual meetings to assist teams in their partnership and program development

special access to Kennedy Center touring programs

As Partners in Education team members, Carnegie Hall and Greenbrier County Schools present Teach SmART, a dynamic series of professional development opportunities in the arts for teachers. Teach SmART helps teachers to bring the arts to life throughout the curriculum through workshops presented by workshop leaders from the Kennedy Center's Touring Program. These workshops inspire fresh ideas for teaching in, through and about the arts. Please contact Carnegie Hall's Education Director for information on upcoming workshops.

For more information regarding workshops, contact Carnegie Hall's Education Director, Leah Trent at 304-645-7917

Learn more about the Kennedy Center's Partners in Education program.



This program is presented with financial assistance by: