Certified Teaching Artist (CTA) Program Application

Section 1: Personal Information

Full name

Date of Birth

Pronouns

Email

Phone

Are you able to receive text messages at this number?

Yes

No

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Social Media Handle and/or Website

Section 2: Connection and Eligibility

1. Do you have a significant personal or professional connection to one of the City of Charlotte's Corridors of Opportunity? (Preference will be given to these applicants.)

2. If you selected any of the corridors above, please briefly explain your connection to the corridor(s).

Question on Socioeconomic Status and Optional Demographics

To help us understand and serve our community better, please consider the following questions. Your responses will remain confidential. While identifying as low socioeconomic status (SES) may be considered during the selection process to prioritize support, other categories are for demographic purposes only and will not affect your application.

1. Do you identify as having a low socioeconomic status (SES)?

Yes

No

2. Do you identify as any of the following? (Check all that apply.)

Section 3: Creative Practice

1. Please select the creative discipline(s) or field(s) that best describe your practice. (Check all that apply.)

2. How do you self-identify in terms of your cultural and social identity, and how does this inform your work?

Section 4: Experience and Goals

Please quickly write a couple of sentences for each of the following questions.

1. What kinds of classes do you dream of teaching? Do you have any prior experience? (All experience levels are welcome.) 150 words

2. How would becoming a Certified Teaching Artist benefit you? 150 words

3. What do you think makes a great professional teaching artist? What characteristics or traits do you believe are essential (e.g., punctuality, professionalism, organization)? 250 words

Section 5: Vision and Impact

1. What communities are you a part of (e.g., church, college, book club, open mics)? 100 words

2. Tell us about the communities you wish to work with. 200 words total

3. Are there any ages or demographics you are particularly interested in working with? Who do you prefer not to work with?

4. What type of classes are you most interested in facilitating? (You may check up to three.)

Techniques and Methods: Classes focused on teaching specific skills or techniques within your creative discipline, such as watercolor blending, acting methods, or weaving patterns.

Expressive Arts: Workshops designed to encourage self-expression and exploration, such as art journaling, improvisational dance, or creative writing for personal growth.

Entertainment-Based: Casual, fun-focused events where participants create something simple while socializing, such as paint nights, group pottery, or music jam sessions.

Community Engagement: Collaborative projects that involve creating art with or for a specific community, such as mural-making with neighborhood input or storytelling workshops for local seniors.

Arts Integration: Classes where art is used to teach or enhance understanding of another subject, such as using sculpture to explain geometry concepts or music to teach historical events.

Healing and Wellness: Workshops focused on using art for emotional or physical well-being, such as movement therapy, meditation through drawing, or music for relaxation.

Performative Arts: Workshops involving performance-based arts, such as acting, spoken word, or music performance.

Social Justice or Advocacy: Classes or projects aimed at addressing societal issues through art, such as protest art workshops or storytelling for advocacy.

Other

Section 6: Professional Background

1. Please provide the name and contact of two references that can speak to your professional capabilities.

2. Provide a link to your portfolio and/or examples of your work (photos, videos, etc.).

3. Upload your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) as a PDF document.

Section 7: Acknowledgment Section

Certified Teaching Artist Program Mandatory Meeting Times

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)

1. Please check off each of the following to indicate understanding:

I consent to a background check. I understand that the outcome of the background check will not affect my acceptance into the program. However, some of our community partners require a background check for facilitation in their spaces. This information will be used solely to assign appropriate teaching locations. Background checks will be conducted after acceptance into the program.

I verify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States to receive the program stipend.

I agree to be available during the scheduled program dates and understand missing two or more classes may result in not receiving certification and forfeiture of a percentage of the stipend.

I agree to attend all classes and program-related gatherings free from the influence of drugs or alcohol. I acknowledge that arriving under the influence or smelling of substances such as marijuana or tobacco may result in dismissal from the program.

2. If you are not selected for the 2025 Spring Cohort, would you like to participate in two free classes we are offering in gratitude for your interest in our program?

Yes

No

ELIZABETH PALMISANO