Arts Integration
Arts integration is a teaching approach that allows students to construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form.
It's about connecting academic content to art forms like music, dance, visual arts, or theater to help students understand and demonstrate their knowledge through a creative process.
A Message from Kathleen Cassidy, TOSA Curriculum Specialist for Arts Education
My name is Kathleen Cassidy and I am excited to join Bethune this fall as a TOSA Curriculum Specialist for Arts Integration. I have been a visual arts teacher since 2001, first in Chicago Public Schools and then in Minneapolis Public Schools starting in 2011. In MPS I have taught visual arts classes at Bancroft Elementary and most recently at Washburn High School.
My own art practice is mostly painting and drawing, but I love all of the visual arts including ceramics, collage, printmaking and fiber arts. I have been trained in theater, ballet and improvisational comedy, and I love music too but it’s been a while since my lessons on the flute, recorder, and piano. I enjoy singing loudly and proudly — but in spite of this, it’s best not to let me sing a solo (as I sometimes forget the words of a song in front of a large group).
I can’t wait to work with the amazing students and families of the Bethune community and support the terrific teachers and super staff in their work as well. I will be helping to facilitate arts integration into academic subjects as well as planning arts experiences that are anchored into our curriculum. Arts are at the heart of Bethune’s curriculum and school community and I am so glad to be a part of it!
Looking forward to meeting you!
Kathleen Cassidy (she/her)
TOSA Curriculum Specialist for Arts Integration
Bethune Arts Elementary
kathleen.cassidy@mpls.k12.mn.us
