Susan Riley | July 2013

Build your Capacity in Arts Integration (Without Breaking the Bank)

If you’re a regular reader of this website, you’ll know that we try our very best to provide you with high-quality professional development in arts integration that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg.  There are many resources out there for Arts Integration and STEAM approaches to teaching, and we believe strongly in the power of building a network of information to empower teachers in using the arts.  But let’s face it: a lot of what’s out there is expensive or limited in time or location.  And that’s okay – it all has it’s place in the fabric of arts education.

Our goal, however, is to show you all of the ways that you can build your capacity in arts integration without breaking the bank.  There are so many ways that we provide professional development in integration and STEAM, and many of them come at a steal of a deal!  Let’s explore, shall we?

STEAM Ed App

So many of you have downloaded the STEAMed App and we are incredibly grateful for your support!  If you’ve grabbed it for your mobile device, then you know how convenient it is to use during planning, implementing and assessing STEAM lessons.  Why not spread the love with your teaching staff?  Did you know that you can get an Education Discount on this app?  That’s right!  If your school orders this app in bulk (1-10, 10-20, 20+ copies) to put on iPads, iPhones or iPods in your school, you can get this app for up to 50% off the list price!

Connectivity Arts Integration Conference

Our annual online Arts Integration Conference is one of our most popular events of the year!  Hundreds of educators from across the nation join us to explore Arts Integration and how it acts as a hinge between the Arts and Common Core.  And while the conference itself is incredibly affordable at only $99, it’s an even better deal if you have a group that wants to attend together.  Any group of 5 or more can purchase a single ticket for $495.  So, if you had an entire school or district that wanted to attend the conference and have access to all of the presentations, materials, and virtual gift bags, $495 would be your total.  Depending on how many educators you wanted to have attend, that could amount to $1-2 per person.  Now THAT’s a deal!

Don’t Forget the Power of Free

In addition to taking advantage of these great discounts, you can’t discount free!  We take very seriously our responsibility of providing you with excellent information, lesson plans, visuals, infographics, and webinars totally free of charge 5 days a week.  We invite you to connect with us on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. And, subscribe to our blog and newsletter to get all this quality content for free all year long.

We love our readers and want to ensure that Arts Integration and STEAM is as accessible as possible so that all children and teachers can learn in and through the arts.  Join us in this journey together!

About the Author

Susan Riley is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM. This is the world’s largest online resource for educators interested in integrating the arts. She has presented at events and authored articles for many educational organizations including The US Department of Education, Palmetto State Arts Education, Edutopia, Education Week, Americans for the Arts, ASCD, and NPR. She regularly presents at national and international events each year. She is the author of three books and is a sought-after collaborator for innovative educational projects around the globe. Susan brings creativity, practicality, dedication and passion to the education landscape. She is well-respected for her pioneering work in the fields of Arts Integration and STEAM education with a standards-based approach. As an educator who taught for 10 years in public schools, as well as served in central office leadership, she understands the fast-paced change, challenges and promise of 21st century schools. As an entrepreneur, she has successfully taken what was once a simple education blog and developed it into a rapidly-growing and highly-respected educational institution. Her team of 15+ teachers, leaders and coaches support over over 500,000 educators each month worldwide. Susan holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ and a Master of Science in Education Administration from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. She lives in Westminster, MD with her husband and daughter. Email Susan