The Tobin Center's THIRD ANNUAL Arts Integration Conference

8:30am - 11:30am | First four concurrent sessions
11:30am - 1am | Lunch
1pm - 4pm | Second four concurrent sessions

Pre-purchase your lunch ($15), hand-crafted onsite by our own chef! Your lunch will be waiting for you after the first session. Network with your peers and the professional artists here at the Conference!

For your convenience, make your Networking Lunch meal choice during the reservation process for MOMENTUM.

Menu:
Roasted Turkey Breast, Baby Swiss Cheese, Lettuce and Tomato, Mayonnaise and Mustard on a Croissant with Kettle Chips and a cookie

-OR-

Grilled Italian Vegetables and Provolone on an Artisan Roll with Kettle Chips and a cookie

Served with Coffee, Water, or Lemonade

The Tobin Center Parking Garage
227 4th St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Parking vouchers will be handed out at the registration table.

For Teachers Grades 2-8

Shadow puppetry offers an imaginative and accessible way to illuminate the inspiring lives of those who are making a difference in the world today. In this workshop, teachers experience shadow puppetry as both an art form and a storytelling tool—using light, movement, silhouette, and voice to explore the courage, creativity, and conviction of young changemakers from around the globe.

Teachers begin by learning the foundational elements of shadow puppetry and simple performance tools that bring real world stories vividly to life. Working collaboratively, educators create and perform short shadow presentations that examine agency, conflict, perspective, and the ripple effects of individual choices. Through this creative process, teachers practice skills aligned to social studies standards, including analyzing point of view, examining cause and effect, sequencing events, and evaluating the impact of civic action.

The session provides a clear, step-by-step framework teachers can use in their own classrooms to guide students in researching contemporary changemakers, developing visual storytelling pieces, and reflecting on the qualities that inspire meaningful action. Along the way, participants consider how shadow storytelling can empower students to see themselves not only as learners of history, but as active contributors to the present.

Educators leave with classroom-ready strategies, adaptable project structures, and renewed inspiration to help students step into the light as both shadow puppeteers and changemakers – because when young voices are illuminated, possibility steps into the light.

Register Now

For Teachers Grades PreK-2

Tiny Toy Tales transform beloved children’s books into dynamic storytelling experiences that ignite imaginations and deepen literacy learning. Rooted in the power of oral tradition, this strategy engages students in comprehension, sequencing, vocabulary development, and expressive language—all through miniature props and dramatic play. In this hands-on workshop, participants will experience a Tiny Toy Tale in action, receive a complete set of materials, and have dedicated time to assemble a tale of their own. Whether you’re new to storytelling or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will help you reimagine what literacy instruction can look—and sound—like.

Register Now

For Teachers Grades 2-8

This interactive workshop takes a deep dive into the power of storytelling as a teaching tool across grades 2–8. Participants will explore what storytelling is, why it matters for student engagement and comprehension, and how it can be woven into curriculum areas including language arts, social studies, science, and math. Through hands-on activities and practical strategies, educators will discover ways to spark imagination, build literacy, and make academic content more meaningful through story.

Register Now

For Teachers Grades 2-8

Experience the transformative power of sneak previews and ignite a passion for reading in your language arts classroom! Join Brazilian Theater Specialist Maria Schaedler-Luera in this immersive residency tailored for grades 2-8 teachers. Discover the art of narration and pantomime, as you learn to bring stories to life, creating an immersive experience that will leave your audience yearning for more. By unleashing your students’ creativity, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating a deep love for literature, you can revolutionize your language arts instruction. Join us for this dynamic professional development experience and embark on a journey of enchantment with the captivating world of sneak previews.

Register Now

For Teachers Grades PK-2

In this joyful, movement-rich workshop, early childhood educators will explore how purposeful motion can support young learners as they build foundational science and math understanding. Through age-appropriate, play-based activities, participants experience how concepts such as force, motion, patterns, shapes, and weather come to life when children use their whole bodies to explore.

Teachers will learn simple kinesthetic strategies that help PK–2 students visualize ideas, practice problem-solving, and build academic vocabulary—all while supporting physical development and creative expression. From traveling like objects in motion to forming shapes with partners, movement becomes a pathway for curiosity, connection, and deep understanding… and STEM learning feels natural and fun for our youngest scientists.

Register Now

For Teachers Grades PK-2

In this workshop, educators will explore accessible arts-integration routines that transform learning into a dynamic, whole-body experience. Through movement, voice, collaboration, and story sequencing, participants will discover how simple drama-based strategies can increase engagement, deepen comprehension, and provide authentic ways for students to demonstrate understanding. These creative routines help students communicate ideas with confidence, strengthen language skills, and engage in collaborative problem-solving—while giving teachers real-time insight into student thinking. Because when students embody their learning, understanding steps into the spotlight

Register Now