The makeSPACE professional development program brings together eight Oregon school districts for teacher-centered explorations of creativity and arts integration. Creative Engagement Lab leads the design and facilitation of makeSPACE courses and institutes. Our priority is developing teachers’ courage to use the arts as a classroom catalyst for learning and belonging. During online coursework and in-person institutes, teachers’ engagement takes many shapes. They gesture, soundscape, sculpt, make metaphors, and reflect (often). All are opportunities to grow creative empathy while gaining experience with student-ready creative routines.
Early research provides promising evidence that makeSPACE teachers are developing the creative mindsets and skills that foster conditions for students’ creative engagement.
makeSPACE is funded by the US Department of Education through an Assistance for Arts Education Development and Dissemination Grant.