Leveraging Integration and Collaboration with the Arts to Enhance Teacher Preparation

Traditional collaborations between schools and teacher preparation programs provide real-world experiences for teacher candidates and contribute to their professional learning. However, when preparing candidates to work with the whole child, one must also consider things outside the typical classroom. Preparing candidates to work with families, support students in community settings, and explore their own learning, attitudes, and experiences can be accomplished through unique collaboration opportunities, as well. In this article, faculty from three teacher preparation programs describe three very different collaborations utilizing visual and performing arts resources to enhance teacher candidate knowledge and skills. We categorize these collaborations into two groups related to candidates’ professional learning: skill building and skill application. Activity descriptions are provided and benefits and concerns regarding each partnership are discussed.