Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab

From ArtsEd Washington: If you know any public school students impacted by the recent wildfires who need support, please let them know the WA State Office of Education Ombuds is here to help. They can assist with enrollment, attendance, special education, transportation, and nearly any school‑related question.
Contact: https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en

Spokane & Other Wildfire‑Affected Communities:
Spokane Public Schools (SPS) announced a free emergency drop-in camp at Shadle Park High School for families across the region affected by wildfires.

If you know any public school students impacted by the Spokane wildfires who need support, please let them know the WA State Office of Education Ombuds is here to help. We can assist with enrollment, attendance, special education, transportation, and nearly any school‑related question.
Contact: https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en

We hope students are able to remain in their current schools, but if relocation becomes necessary due to the wildfires, here is a guide we created to help make the transition smoother:https://www.oeo.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/Relocating%20to%20Washington%20After%20a%20Disaster%202025%20Update.pdf

Our friends at ArtsEd Washington are organizing recovery and support for arts educators who have lost their supplies in the Spokane area.

💛 In the recent fires, many students and teachers have lost musical instruments, dance shoes, paint palettes, weaving tools, and other creative essentials. At the same time, we’re hearing from many people who want to help.

🎨 So we've assembled an Eastern Washington Arts Recovery Project webpage with simple forms to help with:
-Donating arts supplies or funds
-Requesting replacement arts materials for students and educators

📍 We’re currently focusing on Eastern Washington, with Shadle Park High School (north Spokane) as the dedicated drop‑off and pick‑up point. We’re also in conversation with educators in central Washington to explore additional pick‑up locations as needs emerge.

If you are a student or teacher who lost your beloved arts materials, we hope you’ll let this community help restore some of them for you.

If you have instruments, art supplies, or funds to share, please visit the project page and take a moment to fill out the donation form.

🔗 https://www.artsedwashington.org/easternwarecovery

🎧 Latest listen:

Episode 89, ACT 1: Dr. Rachael Jacobs - Dancing Through The Portal Teaching Artistry Podcast goes live! In this special episode, Courtney J. Boddie records in front of a live audience! Courtney is joined by Australian activist, artist, scholar, educator, and change

Seattle-area: Looking for an opportunity to learn more about arts integration in public schools? Arts Connect is Arts Impact's new training program for teaching artists who want to learn how to infuse the arts into math, science, reading, social studies, and more for our local students. Deadline to apply August 21.

🌟 Nominations for the TAT Lab Teaching Artists R.I.S.E. (Representation, Inclusion, Service, Education) Award are due Tuesday, July 28, 5pm! Recipients receive tuition-free registration to TAT Lab's Core Program (upon application and acceptance to the program).

Two ways to be nominated for R.I.S.E.
1) Nominate yourself in your TAT Lab Core Program Application
2) Be nominated by a colleague using the R.I.S.E. Award Nomination Form

Nomination Form: https://tinyurl.com/TATRISE

The award recognizes talent and leadership by teaching artists, arts educators, and culture bearers who represent communities including:

- Indigenous and BBIA/BIPOC communities
- LGBTQIA+ communities
- People with disabilities
- Multilingual and English Language Learner communities
- Immigrant and refugee communities
- Rural communities and communities outside King & Pierce counties

📣 Learn more about TAT Lab’s Core Program! Join TAT Lab faculty and staff to learn how the Core Program, an 8-month professional development program for teaching artists throughout Washington State, can take your teaching to the next level.

Upcoming Info Session:
• Mon, July 20, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2026CoreInfo3

ID: Questions? TAT Lab Core Program Join us on Zoom to learn about TAT Lab, the R.I.S.E. Award, and more. Sessions dates and times. Black speech bubble with question mark at upper right.

Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab

🤔 Looking for connection with other arts educators?

Join TAT Lab for our FREE Community of Practice "Office Hours" - an informal, supportive online gathering where teaching artists and arts educators can share works-in-progress, ask questions, and exchange ideas alongside peers and experienced TAT Lab faculty.

When: Wednesday, July 22, 5:30-6:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cI6Ai9rwSSuIPytOKiamPg #/registration

❓ Possible conversation topics include:
* Lesson plan development
* Student assessment
* Building community in teaching spaces
* Culturally responsive teaching
* Teaching challenges & creative problem-solving

Open to teaching artists, classroom specialists, and arts/cultural educators across Washington State. No TAT Lab experience necessary. TAT Lab alumni welcome!