Certified Teaching Artist Program
Overview
The mission of the Certified Teaching Artist (CTA) Program is to empower creative individuals across various disciplines to lead, inspire, and transform communities through the arts. The program provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, equipping participants with the skills and confidence needed to design and facilitate meaningful, inclusive, and impactful creative experiences. The CTA program cultivates a network of teaching artists who honor human dignity, foster connections, and use creativity as a tool for growth and transformation.
This program was created and is led by Elizabeth Palmisano, an award-winning public artist and educator with over 19 years of experience in curriculum development and teaching artistry. As the program director, Elizabeth launched the Certified Teaching Artist Program out of a deep passion for empowering creatives to share their skills and inspire others through the arts. Recognizing the incredible talent within our creative community, this program is designed to help teaching artists—both aspiring and experienced—build confidence, develop their practice, and connect with opportunities to share their passion.
Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 31, 2025.
Benefits
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$1,000 Stipend: Financial support to help with your participation.
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Comprehensive Training: 10 weeks of virtual and hands-on learning designed to build foundational skills and enhance advanced techniques (see schedule for details).
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Professional Opportunities: Access to hiring institutions and job opportunities to help you launch or grow your teaching career.
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Material Support: Supplies and materials for own workshops to ensure a strong start.
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Facility Access: Use of professional teaching facilities to develop and deliver your lessons.
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Portfolio Development: Guidance in creating a professional teaching portfolio and marketing materials.
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Networking and Connections: Opportunities to connect with major cultural institutions and professionals in the Charlotte area.
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Skill Development: Training in essential areas such as lesson planning, adapting teaching methods to diverse needs, and facilitating impactful workshops.
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Marketing Expertise: Learn how to effectively promote yourself, your classes, and your workshops to potential clients and organizations.
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Best Practices and Grant Readiness: Insights into capturing and using data to support grant or funding applications, tailored to both beginners and experienced professionals.
Eligibility
Open to creatives who are interested in learning how to teach or in advancing their skills as a teaching artist.
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Complete Application: Submission of a fully completed application.
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Residency: Local applicants must reside in Charlotte, NC, or the surrounding areas.
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Work Authorization: Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States (e.g., ability to complete a W-9).
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Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
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Creative Proficiency: Work samples must demonstrate proficiency in at least one creative medium.
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Note: This program does not teach participants how to create art, play music, etc. Applicants must have at least one skill they are proficient in and capable of teaching. This could include a classically trained skill or a technique you have developed independently.
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Creative Practice: The applicant’s resume must demonstrate an established creative practice, whether part-time or full-time (e.g., performance, musician, visual arts).
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Attendance Commitment: Ability to attend all in-person classes and Zoom training sessions (see schedule for dates).
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a diverse panel of experienced professionals with expertise in creative practices and community engagement. Finalists may be contacted for additional information or an interview if needed.
Timeline
The following meeting dates are mandatory. Additional one-on-one meetings will be scheduled throughout the process.
Virtual weekly meetings will be held on Mondays from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
In Person meetings will be held (five total) on Saturdays. Times and locations will vary.
February
Saturday, February 22nd: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (In Person)
Monday, February 24th: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
March
Monday, March 3rd: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
Saturday, March 8th: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (In Person)
Monday, March 10th: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
Monday, March 17th: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
Saturday, March 22nd: Time TBD (In Person)
Monday, March 24th: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
Monday, March 31st: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
April
Saturday, April 5th: Time TBD (In Person)
Monday, April 7th: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
Monday, April 14th: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Virtual)
Saturday, April 26th: Time TBD (In Person)
Questions
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility and/or the application process, please email admin@ellafaeart.com with the subject: CTA Application.
Acknowledgement
The Certified Teaching Artist Program is supported by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors.
Multimillion Dollar Commitment
City of Charlotte
$1.5 million and above
Bank of America
C.D. Spangler Foundation / National Gypsum Company
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Trane Technologies
$600,000 - $1 million
Albemarle Foundation
Atrium Health
Barings
Duke Energy
Honeywell
JELD-WEN, Inc.
LendingTree Foundation
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
Novant Health
Red Ventures
Truist
$300,000-$600,000
Ally Financial
The Centene Charitable Foundation
Childress Klein Properties
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Deloitte
EY
The Gambrell Foundation
Moore & Van Allen
PwC
Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.
Rodgers Builders
Wells Fargo
Up to $300,000
Fifth Third Bank
Foundation For The Carolinas
Deidre and Clay Grubb
Leslie and Michael Marsicano
Jane and Hugh McColl
Nucor Corporation
PNC Bank
Premier, Inc.
Jane and Nelson Schwab
We would also like to express gratitude to our fiscal sponsor ArtWalks CLT who made the program possible.