Emerge

We’re taking a year off! EMERGE Applications will open again in Fall 2025.

Program Description

Emerge is Arts for Learning Connecticut’s training and mentorship program for emerging Teaching Artists. This program advances arts in education by promoting collaboration between classroom teachers and Teaching Artists and ensuring successful learning outcomes for students. We accomplish this by providing meaningful learning experiences through formal workshops, mentorship from a veteran Teaching Artist, opportunities to write and teach original lesson plans, and actionable feedback from teachers and experienced Teaching Artists. The program focuses on 3 competencies: Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, and Arts Learning Pedagogy, which are anchored in the National Core Arts Standards, Universal Design for Learning, Social Emotional Learning, and Culturally Responsive Teaching.

Who are the Emerging Teaching Artists (ETAs)?

ETAs are established artists with an interest in using their art form to support youth development and K-12 education—i.e. an interest in becoming a Teaching Artist! Strong candidates for this program will have:

• Significant experience with their art form
• Some experience working with youth (this could include parenting, camp counseling, paraprofessional or substitute work, etc.) and a commitment to youth service
• A commitment to personal and professional growth
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with adults and youth
• A belief in the value of education and a commitment to providing equitable learning opportunities for all young people, especially those facing the greatest challenges

We define an “established artist” as someone with significant practice in their art form, either professionally or personally, who can demonstrate a unique command of the creative and cultural aspects of their work. We define “art form” broadly, and are interested in folks from all creative disciplines.

Benefits of Emerge

The benefits of participating in this initiative include:

• Paid professional learning in a variety of relevant topics
• Mentorship with a veteran Teaching Artist
• Experience writing and implementing lessons with students—and feedback from certified teachers and veteran TAs
• Being in community with other Emerging TAs
• Engaging in conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion
• The opportunity to join the AFLCT Teaching Artist roster

Hours & Commitment

We expect that ETAs will dedicate 8-12 hours per month to participate fully. The program includes 34 synchronous hours (which are compensated), and will likely require an additional 3-5 hours per month (uncompensated) asynchronous work. 

To receive the full benefits of the Initiative and in order to be paid in full, ETAs will be expected to complete the following over the course of 6 months.

• 22 hours of Professional Development training both in person and online
• 6 hours of observation (4 of which will be incorporated into in-person training sessions)
• 3 written lesson plans
• 3 Lessons implemented with students (student teaching)
• 3 Lesson debrief meetings with their Mentor and Education Manager 

Compensation & Completion

There is no cost to apply. A stipend of $1,190 will be provided to those who are accepted and complete Emerge. If ETAs are unable to complete the necessary requirements or meet deadlines on time, they will be asked to resign from Emerge. After applicants graduate, they will be given the opportunity to apply to be on the AFLCT Roster. Acceptance is not automatic, but depends on the level of preparedness each ETA exhibits. Regardless of acceptance, graduated ETAs will be exposed to new arts communities and experiences.

For questions, please email Education Manager Alex Novak Foster at [email protected] .

EMERGE Cohort Graduates

2022-2023: Maeve Cunningham, Bennie Pharr IV, Anika D. Stewart, Katiana Jarbath Smith, & Nomblé Tanner

2023-2024: Azula, Alana Ladson, Cody Norris, Garry Grant, Jader Correa, Jhulenty Delossantos, Joel Cruz, Sarah Jo Provost & Sydney Bell

Read about our Inaugural Emerge Cohort here!