Goals for Teaching Artists
BTAL teaching artists will be able to walk into their respective learning environments with a full understanding of their Black identity and Pan-African culture. BTAL teaching artists will be able to convey social-emotional competency skills and teach the Black experience through their respective art mediums. BTAL teaching artists will understand, appreciate, and connect with other teaching artists from distinct cultures across the African Diaspora.
Black Teaching Artist Lab, LLC (BTAL) is comprised of three major program pillars: SELF, CULTURE, COMMUNITY. We believe these pillars will provide Black teaching artists with the foundational knowledge, strength, and confidence they need to become strong Black leaders and educators.
Three Pillars
SELF — Identity-Centered Education
Through this pillar, Black teaching artists participate in virtual and in-person workshops grounded in BTAL’s Afrocentric Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) framework. These workshops guide teaching artists in exploring their identity, understanding their cultural lineage, and reflecting on their lived experiences through art.
By centering the self, participants gain a deeper understanding of their own Black identity and develop new pedagogical tools that help them teach in ways that affirm, empower, and support the social and emotional needs of Black learners.
CULTURE — Culturally Grounded Curriculum & Lesson Plans
BTAL provides culturally responsive lesson plans and resources designed to help teaching artists and educators integrate Pan-African and Afrocentric perspectives into their classrooms.
This pillar focuses on giving educators ready-to-use, culturally grounded curriculum materials that help them connect with Black learners through art, history, storytelling, and creativity.
Through these resources, teaching artists learn how to use their artistic mediums to illuminate culture, build student pride, and foster meaningful cultural understanding in learning spaces.
COMMUNITY — Collective Learning & Shared Knowledge
We believe in the power of community as a source of knowledge, support, and growth.
Through this pillar, BTAL hosts collaborative workshops, learning circles, and professional development opportunities that bring Black teaching artists together to share stories, practices, and creative approaches.
By building an inclusive and culturally rooted learning community, teaching artists strengthen their collective capacity and deepen their commitment to supporting Black children through art and education.