By Date
Generation Next

Professional Development

Harvey E. Najim Arts Integration Program

FREE professional development in Arts Integration!

Through a partnership with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education Program and our affiliation with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts, The Tobin Center provides training for classroom teachers in arts integration.

CPE TEA Provider # 902-752

Click here to join our Generation NEXT email list for Professional Development opportunities through the Tobin Center.

 

Maria

Maria Tereza Schaedler-Luera

Thinking on Your Feet: Building a Creative Classroom Community Through Drama

October 3rd, 2026, 8:30 AM

BEST FOR Teachers of K - 12

Thinking on Your Feet: Building a Creative Classroom Community Through Improv!
For Teachers Grades: K-12, ELAR, Math, Science, World Languages, Theatre, Music, Band, Choir, Visual Arts, Student Government, Mentoring

Improv Games are a quick, engaging way to teach skills, boost learning, start the day, to use between tasks and before tests, or even to change the energy after lunch or near the end of the day.  This session focuses on 5-15 minute ready-to-use game-like learning structures that are highly adaptable and can be used to teach content, build classroom community, and develop cooperative learning skills.  Join drama specialist and “improv queen” Maria Tereza Schaedler-Luera as she gets your creative juices flowing in this playful session designed for K-12 teachers.

 

What Students Will Gain

  • Increased confidence in speaking, listening, and sharing ideas.
  • Stronger creative problem-solving and flexible thinking skills.
  • Opportunities to collaborate, communicate, and respond constructively with classmates.
  • Improved focus, engagement, and readiness for learning through active participation.
  • Greater willingness to take appropriate risks, contribute ideas, and learn from mistakes.

Register Now

TEKS Connections (Grades 2–8)

English Language Arts & Reading (110.12–110.24)

  • Comprehension: Retell, summarize, and infer meaning through dramatic retelling.
  • Oral Language: Practice expressive narration, listening, and responding.
  • Writing: Generate responses and reflections inspired by performance activities.

Theatre (117.104–117.118)

  • Creative Expression: Explore pantomime and narration to interpret stories.
  • Response: Reflect on character, theme, and plot through performance choices.

Social Studies (113.13–113.20)

  • Culture: Explore folktales, literature, and historical narratives as part of community identity.
  • Chronology: Sequence events and understand story structure in historical and literary texts.

Social Skills / SEL

  • Collaboration: Work in groups to develop performances.
  • Confidence: Build comfort speaking and moving in front of peers.
  • Empathy: Deepen understanding of diverse perspectives through storytelling.
SubjectGrade BandsTEKS Codes
ELAR2–8110.12–110.24
Theatre2–8117.104–117.118
Social Studies2–8113.13–113.20
Health / SEL2–5115.2–115.7
Health / SEL6–8115.22–115.24

 

 

Drama Tools for Reconnection: Building Trust, Expression, and Classroom Community

October 3rd, 2026, 1:00 PM

BEST FOR Teachers of 4-12

For Teachers Grades: 4-12, ELAR, Science, Social Studies, Speech & Communications, World Languages, Theatre, Music, Student Government, Mentoring

Many students today are navigating stress, anxiety, and a deep sense of disconnection.  The need for creativity, community, and emotional expression is more urgent than ever – yet many classrooms lack the time or tools to prioritize these human needs alongside academics.  In this timely and energizing workshop, educators will experience simple, adaptable drama strategies that foster student voice, strengthen peer relationships, and build a culture of trust.  Through collaborative, low-risk activities, teachers will learn how to create space for students to feel seen, express themselves safely, and re-engage in learning – no acting experience required!  This work supports the whole child while recharging the classroom with joy, belonging, and connection.

May be taught in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

What Students Will Gain

  • Stronger communication, active listening, and collaborative learning skills.
  • Increased confidence expressing ideas and participating in classroom discussions.
  • Opportunities to build positive peer relationships through shared creative experiences.
  • Greater engagement, classroom belonging, and readiness to learn. 

Practical strategies for managing challenges through cooperation, reflection, and constructive communication

Register Now

TEKS Connections (Grades 2–8)

English Language Arts & Reading (110.12–110.24)

Theatre (117.104–117.118)

Social Studies (113.13–113.20)

Social Skills

 

SubjectGrade BandsTEKS Codes
ELAR2–8110.12–110.24
Theatre2–8117.104–117.118
Social Studies2–8113.13–113.20
Health2–5115.2–115.7
Health6–8115.22–115.24

 

 

Morgan

Morgan Vaught

Putting Drama to the Test: Test Prep Through Drama

October 24th, 2026, 8:30 AM

BEST FOR Teachers of 2-8

Prerequisite: Acting Right Workshop*

As Texas schools navigate an increasing emphasis on statewide assessments, benchmark testing, and ongoing progress monitoring, teachers are challenged to prepare students while maintaining high levels of engagement. In response to these demands, this dynamic workshop transforms test preparation into an active and engaging learning experience. By blending proven test-taking strategies with creative drama techniques, students build confidence while strengthening the skills needed for success on reading assessments.

Through movement, role-play, collaboration, and interactive learning, students develop a deeper understanding of testing vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, and sharpen critical-thinking skills. The collaborative and differentiated nature of drama allows all learners to actively participate and connect with the material in meaningful ways. Aligned with academic standards and refined through year-long classroom pilots, this innovative approach consistently increased test performance, deepened student understanding, and turned test prep from a dreaded task into an experience students genuinely enjoyed. When learning is active, memorable, and fun, achievement follows.
*See Acting Right in our virtual professional learning section

What Students Will Gain

  • Stronger reading comprehension and evidence-based reasoning skills.
  • Increased confidence navigating testing vocabulary and assessment questions.
  • Improved critical thinking, inference, and text analysis through active learning.
  • Greater engagement and persistence during challenging academic tasks.
  • Practical strategies for collaborating, communicating, and applying learning across content areas.

Register Now

 

 

TEKS (examples from grades 2–12)
GradeELARTheatreDancePhysical EducationSpeech & CommunicationsHealth
22.1, 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 2.92.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.5I.1, I.22.2, 2.3
33.1, 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.93.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.5I.1, I.23.2, 3.3
44.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 4.94.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.5I.1, I.24.2, 4.3
55.1, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, 5.95.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.5I.1, I.25.2, 5.3
66.1, 6.2, 6.6, 6.7, 6.96.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.5I.1, I.26.2, 6.3
77.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.97.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.5I.1, I.2, I.47.2, 7.3
88.1, 8.2, 8.6, 8.7, 8.98.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.5I.1, I.2, I.48.2, 8.3

 

 

Freeze Tag Tableau: Constructing Understanding Through Sentence Stems

October 24th, 2026, 1:00 PM

BEST FOR Teachers of K-8

Prerequisite: Acting Right Workshop*

Freeze Tag Tableau is a structured theatre strategy that encourages students to examine characters, situations, and themes through observation, analysis, and personal interpretation. Teachers provide sentence stems that students complete and represent through frozen stage pictures, or tableaus, using both language and physical expression. Activities may incorporate musical soundtracks and can be created by the entire class or by small groups.

This accessible strategy provides teachers with an accessible entry point for guiding students through the creative process while helping students strengthen communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and self-reflection. Through visual storytelling and performance, students analyze ideas, cite evidence to support interpretations, and explore how individual choices, actions, and perspectives shape outcomes. Students deepen comprehension while developing confidence in communicating meaning through both words and movement.

*See Acting Right in our virtual professional learning section

What Students Will Gain

  • Stronger comprehension through analysis of characters, themes, and ideas.
  • Increased confidence communicating through both verbal and nonverbal expression.
  • Improved critical thinking by interpreting evidence and supporting multiple perspectives.
  • Opportunities to collaborate, reflect, and solve problems through creative performance. 

Greater ability to connect academic content to meaningful, memorable learning experiences

Register Now

TEKS (examples from grades 2–12)
GradeELARTheatreDancePhysical EducationSpeech & CommunicationsHealth
22.1, 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 2.92.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.5I.1, I.22.2, 2.3
33.1, 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.93.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.5I.1, I.23.2, 3.3
44.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 4.94.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.5I.1, I.24.2, 4.3
55.1, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, 5.95.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.5I.1, I.25.2, 5.3
66.1, 6.2, 6.6, 6.7, 6.96.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.5I.1, I.26.2, 6.3
77.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.97.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.5I.1, I.2, I.47.2, 7.3
88.1, 8.2, 8.6, 8.7, 8.98.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.5I.1, I.2, I.48.2, 8.3

 

 

Harlen

Harlan Brownlee

Modeling Earth Systems: Exploring Forces of Land, Water, and Air with Dance

January 30th, 2027, 8:30 AM

For Teachers Grades: 3-8, Science, ELAR, PE, Dance, Theatre

Like dance, Earth's systems are dynamic exchanges of motion and energy that shape erosion, weather, climate, and the ever-changing landscapes around us. Using the elements of dance as a tool for scientific modeling, participants will explore the interactions among Earth's systems of land, water, and air through purposeful movement.

 

Educators will create movement-based models that demonstrate scientific concepts, visualize complex processes, and deepen understanding of the forces that continually shape our planet. This engaging, inquiry-based approach transforms abstract concepts into memorable learning experiences while helping students think, move, and communicate like scientists.  When students experience science through movement, abstract concepts become lasting understanding.

What Students Will Gain

  • A deeper understanding of the interactions among Earth's systems through active scientific modeling.
  • Stronger scientific observation, analysis, and evidence-based reasoning skills.
  • Increased ability to explain complex processes using movement, language, and collaboration.
  • Improved spatial reasoning and systems thinking through kinesthetic learning. 

Register Now

 

 

TEKS (examples from grades 2–12)
GradeELARTheatreDancePhysical EducationSpeech & CommunicationsHealth
22.1, 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 2.92.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.5I.1, I.22.2, 2.3
33.1, 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.93.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.5I.1, I.23.2, 3.3
44.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 4.94.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.5I.1, I.24.2, 4.3
55.1, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, 5.95.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.5I.1, I.25.2, 5.3
66.1, 6.2, 6.6, 6.7, 6.96.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.5I.1, I.26.2, 6.3
77.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.97.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.5I.1, I.2, I.47.2, 7.3
88.1, 8.2, 8.6, 8.7, 8.98.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.5I.1, I.2, I.48.2, 8.3

 

 

Biome Boogie: Dances for Planet Earth

January 30th, 2027, 1:00 PM

For Teachers Grades: K-12, Science, Dance, Theatre, PE, ELAR

The biodiversity of planet Earth is extraordinary, revealing the intricate relationships among living organisms and the environments they call home. Beginning with the tropical rainforest as a model for exploration and creativity, participants will investigate how plants, animals, and environmental conditions interact to create thriving ecosystems. By exploring scientific modeling through movement, educators will create "Biome Dances" that model these complex relationships while making scientific concepts active, visual, and memorable.

Designed for educators across grade levels, this adaptable instructional approach can be scaled from primary observations of habitats and living things to secondary investigations of ecosystems, biodiversity, adaptation, energy flow, and environmental change. Teachers will leave with movement-based strategies that help students demonstrate scientific understanding, communicate complex ideas, and explore the interconnected systems that sustain life on Earth.  When students embody the natural world, they don't just study ecosystems, they experience them.

What Students Will Gain

  • A deeper understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the interdependence of living things.
  • Increased ability to model scientific concepts through movement and creative expression.
  • Stronger observation, analysis, and scientific communication skills.
  • Opportunities to collaborate while exploring complex ecological relationships.
  • Greater curiosity, engagement, and appreciation for the diversity of the natural world.

Register Now

TEKS (examples from grades 2–12)
GradeELARTheatreDancePhysical EducationSpeech & CommunicationsHealth
22.1, 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 2.92.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.5I.1, I.22.2, 2.3
33.1, 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.93.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.5I.1, I.23.2, 3.3
44.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 4.94.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.5I.1, I.24.2, 4.3
55.1, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, 5.95.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.5I.1, I.25.2, 5.3
66.1, 6.2, 6.6, 6.7, 6.96.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.5I.1, I.26.2, 6.3
77.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.97.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.5I.1, I.2, I.47.2, 7.3
88.1, 8.2, 8.6, 8.7, 8.98.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.5I.1, I.2, I.48.2, 8.3

 

 

pirate
Pirate School: Chart a Course for STEM Success

February 8th, 2027, 5:30 PM

BEST FOR Teachers of 3rd - 8th grade

Join master performer and educator David Engel for an engaging, hands-on workshop where history sails side-by-side with humor, creativity, and discovery. Rooted in the spirit of Pirate School: The Science of Pirates!, this session invites teachers to explore how storytelling, theatrical play, and laughter can unlock meaningful STEM learning. Through collaborative exploration, teachers will experience how art and STEM naturally intertwine: wind becomes physics, navigation becomes mathematics, engineering becomes hands-on design, and problem-solving becomes an adventure. With practical strategies and ready-to-use ideas, educators will leave inspired to create classrooms where inquiry drives instruction, creativity deepens understanding, and students actively engage in real-world STEM thinking. Come ready to play, experiment, and rediscover the adventure of learning; because in this workshop, you won’t just teach like a pirate… you’ll chart a course for STEM success!

Register Now

 

 

Pirate School Teacher Workshop TEKS
Course / StrandGrade 2Grade 3Grade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8
Science – Scientific & Engineering Practices2.1A, 2.1B, 2.1C, 2.1D3.1A, 3.1B, 3.1C, 3.1D4.1A, 4.1B, 4.1C, 4.1D5.1A, 5.1B, 5.1C, 5.1D6.1A, 6.1B, 6.1C, 6.1D7.1A, 7.1B, 7.1C, 7.1D8.1A, 8.1B, 8.1C, 8.1D
Science – Forces & Motion / Energy2.6A, 2.6B3.6A, 3.6B4.6A, 4.6B5.6A, 5.6B6.8A, 6.8B7.7A, 7.7B8.6A, 8.6B
Science – Earth & Space (Weather, Navigation)2.10A, 2.10B3.10A, 3.10B4.10A, 4.10B5.10A, 5.10B6.10A, 6.10B7.8A, 7.8B8.9A, 8.9B
Science – Matter (Buoyancy/Properties)2.5A, 2.5B3.5A, 3.5B4.5A, 4.5B5.5A, 5.5B6.6A, 6.6B7.6A, 7.6B8.5A, 8.5B
Math – Number & Operations2.2A, 2.2B3.2A, 3.2B4.2A, 4.2B5.2A, 5.2B6.2A, 6.2B7.2A, 7.2B8.2A, 8.2B
Math – Measurement & Data2.7A, 2.7B3.7A, 3.7B4.8A, 4.8B5.7A, 5.7B6.8A, 6.8B7.9A, 7.9B8.11A, 8.11B
Math – Geometry / Spatial Reasoning (Navigation/Maps)2.8A, 2.8B3.6A, 3.6B4.6A, 4.6B5.6A, 5.6B6.11A, 6.11B7.6A, 7.6B8.10A, 8.10B
Jason

Jason Nious

The Rhythm of Belonging: Confidence and Teamwork through Stepping
February 25, 2027, 8:30 AM

For Teachers Grades: 2-8, ELAR, Speech & Communications, PE, Theatre, Dance, Student Government, Mentoring

Today's classrooms are strongest when every student has meaningful opportunities to contribute, connect, and succeed. The art of stepping provides a powerful pathway for building confidence, strengthening teamwork, and helping every student discover that their voice matters.
 

In this interactive workshop, participants will experience how stepping, a dynamic art form that uses the body as an instrument, creates opportunities for students to contribute, collaborate, and succeed as part of a team. Through rhythm, movement, and shared creative experiences, students develop confidence in themselves while learning to support and celebrate one another.


Led by Jason Nious, performer with Cirque du Soleil, STOMP, Molodi, and the International Body Music Festival, participants will explore how stepping naturally develops:

• Self-confidence and self-expression
• A sense of belonging and community
• Leadership and shared responsibility
• Active listening and nonverbal communication
• Cooperation and teamwork
• Creative problem-solving and perseverance


Through hands-on activities and collaborative challenges, educators will experience firsthand how stepping encourages every participant to contribute to a collective goal while honoring individual strengths and perspectives.


No dance experience is required… just a willingness to help every student find their place, their voice, and their confidence.

What Students Will Gain

  • Increased confidence through shared success and creative expression.
  • Stronger teamwork, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
  • Improved active listening, communication, and nonverbal awareness.
  • Greater perseverance, responsibility, and accountability within a group.
  • A stronger sense of belonging through positive participation and shared achievement.

Register Now

TEKS (examples from grades 2–12)
GradeELARTheatreDancePhysical EducationSpeech & CommunicationsHealth
22.1, 2.2, 2.6, 2.7, 2.92.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.52.1, 2.2, 2.5I.1, I.22.2, 2.3
33.1, 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.93.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.53.1, 3.2, 3.5I.1, I.23.2, 3.3
44.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 4.94.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.54.1, 4.2, 4.5I.1, I.24.2, 4.3
55.1, 5.2, 5.6, 5.7, 5.95.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.55.1, 5.2, 5.5I.1, I.25.2, 5.3
66.1, 6.2, 6.6, 6.7, 6.96.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.56.1, 6.2, 6.5I.1, I.26.2, 6.3
77.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.7, 7.97.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.57.1, 7.2, 7.5I.1, I.2, I.47.2, 7.3
88.1, 8.2, 8.6, 8.7, 8.98.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.58.1, 8.2, 8.5I.1, I.2, I.48.2, 8.3

 

 

STEP IT UP!  Teamwork and Self Expression through Stepping
February 25, 2027, 1:00 PM

Best for Teachers 2-12

Build community, strengthen classroom culture, and energize your students through the power of rhythm, teamwork, and movement!

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how stepping and body percussion can be used as engaging tools to develop collaboration, communication, leadership, and collective responsibility. Through simple rhythmic activities and team challenges, educators will experience how shared movement can foster trust, belonging, and a positive learning environment.

Using only the body as an instrument, participants will practice and reflect on essential habits for success:

• Goal Setting
• Commitment and Accountability
• Leadership and Followership
• Sequencing and Memory
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Reflection and Growth Mindset
• Confidence and Presentation Skills

Participants will learn foundational stepping concepts, call-and-response structures, and group rhythm-building strategies that emphasize listening, cooperation, and problem-solving. Working in teams, they will create and refine rhythmic sequences while experiencing firsthand the same collaborative processes that support student engagement and classroom success.

This workshop is designed for all educators and focuses on community-building, participation, and teamwork not dance technique. (Though dancers are welcome!)  Leave with practical activities you can use immediately to help students find their voice, support one another, and move together toward a common goal.

No dance experience required… just bring your energy and curiosity. Together we'll prove that every body is an instrument and every team can find its rhythm!

Register Now

Harold

Thinking in Purple: Creative Approaches to Curriculum and Learning

March 1, 2027, 5:30 PM

Best for Teachers K-5

Step into a world where imagination drives learning and a single purple crayon unlocks endless curricular connections. Inspired by Enchantment Theatre Company’s The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon, this interactive workshop explores how the arts can transform core instruction across subjects.

Led by members of the cast, participants will experience hands-on strategies storytelling, movement, and theatre to support literacy, creative thinking, and problem-solving.

Walk away with adaptable lesson ideas and practical tools to help students express ideas, build confidence, and take ownership of their learning…just like Harold!

Register Now

 

Thinking in Purple: Creative Approaches to Curriculum and Learning TEKS
Course / StrandK1st2nd3rd4th5th
ELARK.6, K.7, K.8, K.111.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.112.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.113.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.114.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.115.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.11
TheatreK.1A, K.2A, K.3A, K.4A1.1A, 1.2A, 1.3A, 1.4A2.1A, 2.2A, 2.3A, 2.4A3.1A, 3.2A, 3.3A, 3.4A4.1A, 4.2A, 4.3A, 4.4A5.1A, 5.2A, 5.3A, 5.4A
Visual ArtK.1A, K.2A, K.3A, K.4A1.1A, 1.2A, 1.3A, 1.4A2.1A, 2.2A, 2.3A, 2.4A3.1A, 3.2A, 3.3A, 3.4A4.1A, 4.2A, 4.3A, 4.4A5.1A, 5.2A, 5.3A, 5.4A
Creative Writing (ELAR Writing Strand)K.11B, K.12A1.11B, 1.12A2.11B, 2.12A3.11B, 3.12A4.11B, 4.12A5.11B, 5.12A
Problem Solving (Math Process Standards)K.1A, K.1B1.1A, 1.1B2.1A, 2.1B3.1A, 3.1B4.1A, 4.1B5.1A, 5.1B
HealthK.1A, K.2A, K.3A1.1A, 1.2A, 1.3A2.1A, 2.2A, 2.3A3.1A, 3.2A, 3.3A4.1A, 4.2A, 4.3A5.1A, 5.2A, 5.3A
bros

Journey Through Spacetime: Storytelling, Science, and Our Place in the Universe

March 18, 2027, 5:30 PM

Best for Middle and High School Science, Theater, Music Appreciation

Inspired by Spacetime: The Universe Story and Our Place in It, this workshop engages middle and high school educators in exploring meaningful connections between STEM and the arts. Participants will examine how complex scientific concepts, such as galaxies, black holes, and the life cycle of stars, can be translated into narrative, sound, and visual expression to support deeper student understanding.

Through guided, hands-on activities, educators will analyze how storytelling structures, musical elements, and multimedia visuals can model scientific phenomena, reinforce key vocabulary, and make abstract ideas more accessible. The session emphasizes cross-curricular strategies that strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and communication across science, English, and fine arts classrooms.

Teachers will leave with practical approaches and adaptable lesson ideas that help students not only learn scientific content, but interpret and express it… bridging analytical thinking with creative exploration.

Join astrophysicist Dr. Luke Keller, poet and storyteller David González, and composer Álvaro Domene for a dynamic workshop inspired by Spacetime: The Universe Story and Our Place in It. Designed for middle and high school educators, this session explores how STEM concepts and the arts can work together to deepen student understanding and engagement.

Register Now

 

SPACETIME TEKS
GradeSubjectTEKS Codes
4Science4.3A, 4.8A
4Theatre4.1A, 4.3A
4ELAR (Creative Writing)4.10
5Science5.3A, 5.8A
5Theatre5.1A, 5.3A
5ELAR (Creative Writing)5.10
6Science6.11A
6Theatre6.2A
6ELAR (Creative Writing)6.10
7Science7.3B
7Theatre7.2A
7ELAR (Creative Writing)7.10
8Science8.8C
8Theatre8.2A
8ELAR (Creative Writing)8.10
9–12ScienceESS.2A, ESS.8A, ESS.9A
9–12TheatreTheatre I 1A, Theatre I 2A
9–12ELAR (Creative Writing)English I 7, English I 8
dino

STEAM in Action: Bringing Dinosaur Zoo to Life in Your Classroom

May 10, 2027, 5:30 PM

Best for K-5, MS HS Theatre

Step into the prehistoric world and discover how to transform student curiosity into meaningful, cross-curricular learning! In this engaging, hands-on workshop, led by members of the Dinosaur Zoo Live cast, educators will explore how to use the performance as a springboard for science, literacy, and creative expression in the classroom.

Participants will investigate fascinating prehistoric creatures while building student skills in observation, inquiry, and critical thinking. Through arts-integrated strategies, including drawing, movement, and storytelling, teachers will learn how to help students connect scientific concepts with imagination and performance.

Educators will leave with ready-to-use lesson ideas, TEKS-aligned connections, and creative approaches to engage diverse learners through immersive, arts-rich learning… directly inspired by their experience with Dinosaur Zoo Live!

Register Now

STEAM in Action: Bringing Dinosaur Zoo to Life in Your Classroom Teacher Workshop TEKS
Course / StrandK12345
ScienceK.1, K.2, K.3, K.91.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.92.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.93.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.104.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.105.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.10
TheatreK.1, K.2, K.3, K.41.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.42.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.43.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.44.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.45.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4
Creative Writing (ELAR)K.6, K.71.6, 1.72.6, 2.73.6, 3.74.6, 4.75.6, 5.7
Momentum

The Tobin Center’s FOURTH ANNUAL Arts Integration Conference!

Coming Soon!

Harvey E. Najim Arts Integration Program

For Teachers PreK - 12th grade and Arts Specialists
FREE professional development in Arts Integration!

Credit (3 hours per workshop) is provided upon completion of each session.

Coffee, Snacks, and Free Parking!

Learn More

Generation NEXT provides both live and virtual professional development, featuring nationally and internationally operating Teaching Artists.
CPE credit available

VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
On your own time, at your own pace

Reserve Now

All workshops are available August 1, 2026 and close June 30, 2027

Sean
Sean Layne
Acting Right: Building a Cooperative, Collaborative, Creative Classroom Community Through Drama

FOR ADMINISTRATORS, ART SPECIALISTS, AND PK – 8 TEACHERS (2 HOURS)

This workshop takes the foundational elements of acting such as concentration, cooperation, and collaboration, and creates a structured process which can become the basis for effective classroom management every day. This engaging, step-by-step approach empowers students to take ownership of and be responsible for their own behavior. Learn how to help students build the skills necessary to establish a sense of self-control, accountability, and teambuilding in your classroom. Used in classrooms across the country, these strategies help create the behavioral literacy necessary for students to concentrate, cooperate, collaborate and establish a sense of calm, focus, and balance in the classroom.

What Students Will Gain

  • Increased self-control, personal responsibility, and accountability.
  • Stronger cooperation, collaboration, and positive classroom participation.
  • Improved focus, concentration, and readiness for learning.
  • Greater confidence making thoughtful choices and solving problems with others. 

 

Register Now

 

Jessica
Jessica DiLorenzo
Creatively Moving Through SEL Part II: Challenges and Empathy

(K-8)

For Teachers Grades K-8, Creative Writing, History, Speech & Communication, Theatre, Dance 

(2 hours)

Great stories and defining moments in history often center on individuals who faced significant challenges, adapted to changing circumstances, and discovered strengths they never knew they possessed. Building on the foundations established in Part I, this workshop explores how movement can help students examine the journeys of literary characters and historical figures while deepening their understanding of perseverance, perspective, and personal growth.

Through collaborative movement experiences, participants will create expressive movement phrases that represent key moments of challenge, decision-making, and transformation. Educators will discover adaptable strategies that strengthen comprehension, encourage thoughtful discussion, and help students analyze how choices, actions, and perspectives influence outcomes across literature, history, and everyday life.

When students move through a story, they discover understanding that lasts far beyond the page.

What Students Will Gain

  • Stronger comprehension of literary characters, historical figures, and their journeys.
  • Increased ability to analyze challenges, choices, and transformation across stories and history.
  • Improved communication, collaboration, and creative interpretation through movement and discussion.
  • Greater confidence expressing ideas through storytelling, movement, and presentation.
  • A deeper appreciation for how stories of challenge, perseverance, and growth connect across literature, history, and students' own experiences.

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Harlen
Harlan Brownlee
Dance and Movement Strategies for Virtual Learning

For Teachers Grades: K-3, ELAR, Math, Science, Music, Theatre, Dance, Curriculum Specialists, Counsellors, Administrators

Support Virtual Learning, hybrid/blended or completely on-line, through Dance and Movement!

Keeping students engaged, connected, and actively participating in virtual learning environments can be a challenge. Discover how simple dance and movement strategies can transform screen time into meaningful opportunities for learning, creativity, and active participation. In this interactive session, participants will explore adaptable movement-based activities that increase engagement, encourage participation, strengthen classroom connections, and support learning across content areas.

Through guided experiences and practical examples, educators will discover how movement can enhance focus, foster collaboration, and provide students with multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. Whether used as brain breaks, instructional tools, creative prompts, or classroom/community-building activities, these strategies are easily adapted for a variety of grade levels, virtual and blended learning environments, and curricular goals.

No dance experience required! Join us and discover how purposeful movement can make every learning experience more active, memorable, and engaging.

What Students Will Gain

  • Increased engagement and active participation during virtual learning.
  • Improved focus, attention, and readiness for learning through purposeful movement.
  • Greater confidence expressing ideas through movement and creative exploration.
  • Stronger collaboration and communication during individual and group learning experiences.
  • More opportunities to demonstrate understanding in active, meaningful, and memorable ways.

Register Now

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