Indiana educators integrate creativity into the classroom with fellowship; artist to work with Vermillion Co. teacher

Lisa Eilbracht, an educator at Van Duyn Elementary in Vermillion County, will work with an artist to teach the fundamental concepts of motion.

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announces that 20 educators from across the state have received funding to support artist residencies in their classrooms through the Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teaching.  

The Fellowship for Creative Teaching is a program of the IAC, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, that celebrates and supports outstanding educators throughout the state in implementing creativity-centered innovation in the classroom. Research shows creative teaching strategies, also known as arts integration, improve student engagement, student learning retention, and student literacy skills. 

“We are proud to support 20 artist residencies in Indiana classrooms through the Fellowship for Creative Teaching,” IAC Arts Education and Accessibility Manager Stephanie Haines said. “Indiana educators are innovative in their curriculum delivery, and it is a privilege to provide more tools to those supporting Indiana students.”

Amber Sims, an educator at Central Middle School in Bartholomew County, will collaborate with an artist to provide multiple lessons with students in which the creation of bracelets and a painting will be utilized to help students conceptualize the use of math integers. The artist will introduce students to how creative solutions can be used in learning new concepts and working through complex problem-solving.  

Lisa Eilbracht, an educator at Van Duyn Elementary in Vermillion County, will work with an artist to teach the fundamental concepts of motion. To enhance learning, students will incorporate artistic expression by designing and creating visual and kinetic art pieces that demonstrate principles of motion. By blending art with STEM, students will not only grasp the scientific concepts but also develop creativity and innovation in their approach to physical phenomena. 

Read the project descriptions of the each of the 20 Fellowship recipients and learn more about the Indiana Educator Fellowship for Creative Teaching.