Broadly speaking, students develop essential life skills—such as confidence, self-awareness, decision-making, and collaboration—through meaningful learning experiences in the arts. In the third series of Connected Arts Network (CAN) conversations, we take a deeper look at how arts education supports these skills and helps students fully engage in their learning.

As a partnership between the National Art Education Association (NAEA), Educational Theatre Association, National Association for Music Education, National Dance Education Organization, and the NYC Department of Education’s Office of Arts and Special Projects, the goal of this network is to build a sustainable model of professional learning across arts disciplines.

In this episode, the Creativity Department is joined by arts educators Cristin Carole and Heather De Koning Foley for an informative discussion about instructional approaches that strengthen student voice and participation in the classroom. Hear how they create supportive learning communities where students feel confident, engaged, and ready to learn.