Welcome to Season 3! We’re kicking off our season by talking with Stefanie Singer, who is the Program Director for Everyday Arts for Special Education (EASE), a New York City-based program operated by Urban Arts Partnership.

EASE is an arts integration program that trains teachers on how to use simple arts integration activities and methods to improve outcomes for elementary-aged students. The program was designed to serve special education students, but as we discuss in the interview, the activities can benefit all students. We really wanted to talk to Stef because we haven’t talked much about teacher professional development programs on this podcast, nor have we highlighted any programs that explicitly address developing social-emotional skills among students with significant disabilities. Stef has a great perspective on the challenges and stresses that teachers face (even before the pandemic introduced a whole new slew of challenges and stresses!), and talks about EASE’s role in helping teachers relax in the classroom and let their students have fun.

EASE has a bunch of fun activities, some of which you can now try at home with your own kids (or friends – we’re not judging). Check them out on the EASE at Home website.

You can follow Urban Arts Partnership on Twitter at @UrbanArtsOrg or on Facebook at @urbanartspartnership.

Unwitting Sponsor! In a divided America, this episode’s sponsor is something we can all feel good about. Puppies! The impetus for this sponsor is that Rebecca’s family just got a new puppy named Patton and they’re in looooove. Jen’s family adopted a puppy a few years ago and, though he’s more of a teenager now, they’re nonetheless over the moon for him. Pictures below. Thanks for sponsoring our episode, sweet pups!