Sierra Arts Foundation Offers Literacy and the Arts Conference for Educators

The Sierra Arts Foundation in Reno presents the Sierra Institute for Education Through the Arts (SIETA), a comprehensive professional development program in literacy through the arts for K-6 teachers, August 12-14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno. SIETA is a place of opportunity for classroom educators to demystify and explore the arts as a force in cognitive development, enabling them to become knowledgeable, creative and skillful in using the arts to engage young learners.

“We’ve studied the needs of educators in the area and expanded on the successful workshops on literacy in the arts we’ve produced in the past,” Rick Southerland, Arts Education Coordinator for Sierra Arts said. “This extended institute will give educators the methodologies and strategies they need to work with diverse learners.”

Educators will attend breakout sessions in all disciplines of the arts – dance, theatre, visual arts, literary arts and music – and will learn ways to teach students to make connections with curriculum through their natural creativity. SIETA features an impressive line-up of artist-educators, including dancer Tami Castillo Gray from Creative Arts Education in Milwaukee, Ore.; Mary Bennett from Reno’s Brüka Theatre; visual artist Lynda Yuroff of Reno; author Terri Farley of Verdi; and musician Colin Ross of Reno.

Educators attending SIETA will also attend the Sierra Arts Foundation's Annual Business and the Arts Luncheon at the Atlantis on Thursday, August 13, with more than 300 business leaders. This year’s luncheon is the 28th celebration honoring contributions to regional arts and culture by individuals, businesses and organizations presented by Sierra Arts, the Nevada Arts Council and the Arts Consortium.

Registration begins June 1, 2009 and closes July 15, 2009. The Nevada Department of Education has approved the 1.5 continuing ed units. Certificates of completion for California teachers will be granted by SIETA. Graduate credit is available from the University of Nevada, Reno for those who complete the program with some additional coursework.

Nevada educators can apply for a professional development grant through the Nevada Arts Council, and teachers from both Nevada and California are encouraged to contact state and local agencies for financial assistance.

The Sierra Arts Foundation is supported by the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission and by the Nevada Alliance for Arts Education and affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

For more information contact Rick Southerland, Arts Education Coordinator at 775-329 ARTS/2787 or via email at rick@sierra-arts.org.