National Partnerships Bring Arts Integration to Life at Perry Central School District
- Arts for Learning
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Arts for Learning WNY has been a proud affiliate of the National Young Audiences Arts for Learning Network since our inception over 60 years ago. This incredible partnership ensures that our staff, board, and Teaching Artists remain connected to best-in-class practices in arts-integrated education, bringing these innovations to students and teachers across all eight counties of Western New York.
Through this national network, Arts for Learning WNY has developed a growing collaboration with ArtsNOW, an Atlanta-based affiliate known for its excellence in arts-integrated professional learning. Together, we are providing transformative experiences for the educators of Perry Central School District Jr. and Sr. High Schools.Â
In October, Arts for Learning WNY Executive Director Amelia Schrader and Director of Programs Allison Rabent were thrilled to welcome ArtsNOW President & CEO Pamela Walker, Executive Vice President & COO Crystal Collins, and Theatre Consultant Susie Spear Purcell, for a full day of professional learning and engagement at Perry Central School District. Educators in grades 7–12, representing a range of subject areas, explored new ways to integrate drama and theatre strategies into their daily instruction.
These data-driven, arts-integration approaches not only strengthen academic connections but also support the development of essential skills outlined in New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate. Through creative, theatre-based activities, teachers deepened their understanding of how the arts can foster social-emotional learning, and enhance student engagement. These skills extend far beyond the classroom and promote collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.Â
Educators continued applying these practices during demonstration days, as Theatre Consultant Susie Spear Purcell collaborated directly with teachers from subjects including Earth Science, World History, ELA, and Geometry. Together, they co-designed and co-taught lessons that brought learning to life through strategies such as town halls, tableaux, and statues, all tailored to New York State learning standards.
"The Arts for Learning partnership has been something that I enjoyed immensely. I had the privilege of getting to work with two different Teaching Artists from Shakespeare in Delaware Park, and both of those Teaching Artists were wonderful. My students were so excited to learn from them each week. The partnership has been extremely beneficial for not only my students, but also for me as a teacher. Every day that I worked with a Teaching Artist, I learned something new that I could implement into my own curriculum. The Teaching Artists allowed me to look at Shakespeare's work (and literature in general) in a whole different light. This partnership has made me even more excited to teach the content that I love."
- School Teacher, Perry Central High School
Professional learning is just one part of the district’s ongoing partnership with Arts for Learning WNY. The 2025-2026 school year marks the fourth year of Perry Central School District’s participation in our Whole School Partnership Program, a unique model that ensures every student in every grade engages in meaningful arts-integrated learning. At Perry Central School District Schools, our Teaching Artists collaborate closely with the ELA department to deliver multi-session residency workshops that build literacy, creativity, and confidence.
This work is made possible through generous support from Fund for the Arts and the
Foundation for Perry’s Educational Future helping us continue to strengthen arts-based learning opportunities for students and educators alike.
Are you interested in exploring the Whole School Partnership for your school? Contact us to learn more!
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Learn more about ArtsNOWÂ and see an example of how to incorporate tableau teaching strategies in your classroom!
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Learn more about Young Audiences National!