Hunter and Lincoln Center Expand Initiative That Trains Arts Teachers for Public Schools

The Lincoln Center Scholars Program - a partnership formed by Hunter College, Lincoln Center Education and the NYC Department of Education - is expanding. Supported by The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, the program trains superior arts teachers for placement in the public schools. Launched earlier this year with a curriculum in music and dance education, the program will now train up to 40 graduate students and include two new disciplines, theater and visual arts.

Noting Hunter's century-plus history as the premier public institution educating the city's teachers, President Jennifer J. Raab also spoke of the College's innovative contemporary programs. "Our Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program and Music Teacher Education Program have been producing talented creative-arts educators for years," she said. "We're excited to expand into the visual arts and theater education disciplines with such a rich partner as Lincoln Center."

Upon successful completion of the fully subsidized two-year program, graduates receive a master's degree from the Hunter College School of Education and are considered for placement in a city school. While enrolled, every participant is eligible for a full-time teaching position at the elementary, middle or high school level, and has access to intensive training at Lincoln Center Education.

"When we launched this program last summer, we were overwhelmed by the number of qualified candidates wanting to bring their artistry to the lives of New York City public school students," said Russell Granet, executive director of Lincoln Center Education. "Our initial class of candidates is hard at work training for the responsibility of preparing students for academic success."

Laurie Tisch, President of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund and Chair Emeritus of the Center for Arts Education, described the critical role these teachers will play: "Too many students haven't had opportunities to learn from certified arts teachers, and the gaps are particularly profound in high-poverty schools. The arts should be an essential part of any child's education, regardless of their circumstances of birth and where they go to school."

Those seeking admission to the Lincoln Center Scholars Program can apply now for the 2015-16 academic year. Further information is available, and applications are being accepted through February 11, 2015, at http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/school-of-education/special-programs-and-centers/lincoln-center-scholars or www.LincolnCenterEducation.org/LCScholars.

Hunter College and Lincoln Center Education will hold an Open House for interested candidates on December 17 and January 21.