ArtsNOW was recently featured in the Atlanta-based Saporta Report, highlighting how our arts-integrated approach is transforming the way students across Metro Atlanta engage with English Language Arts. ArtsNOW’s work has been recognized as a Learn4Life Bright Spot for Early Literacy. Schools across Metro Atlanta are seeing stronger engagement and measurable gains in reading proficiency, proving that the arts are not just an enhancement but a catalyst for learning.

• At Powder Springs Elementary, third-grade ELA proficiency jumped a remarkable 15 percentage points compared to just 8 points in a paired comparison school
• English Learners in Cobb’s KickstART schools supported by ArtsNOW saw 97% improve language proficiency, versus 74% in similar settings
• At a SmART Literacy grant site, grade-level reading rose from 60% to 74% over five years, with ELA proficiency climbing 17%

Read More:

Dive into the full story and explore how this partnership is reshaping literacy across classrooms: Read “The Surprising Power of the Arts to Boost Literacy” on SaportaReport

Teacher retention is a national challenge that demands urgent attention. According to a National Education Policy Center analysis of federal Schools and Staffing Survey data, between 40–50% of new teachers leave the profession within their first five years. Burnout, lack of support, and challenging classroom environments are common reasons educators step away. Yet, those who stay often cite meaningful relationships with students, a positive classroom climate, and a renewed passion for teaching as key motivators.

Arts integration is proving to be a powerful solution. At ArtsNOW, we see firsthand how creativity transforms classrooms and reinvigorates teachers. Research from the University of South Carolina’s Research Evaluation and Measurement (REM) Center reveals that 89% of teachers say participating in arts integration positively impacts their classroom climate, creating an environment where both students and teachers feel connected and engaged.

“Thank y’all so much for all that you do! These PLs are my favorite, and I always come out of them feeling more confident and excited about teaching!” shares one 1st-grade teacher after attending an ArtsNOW professional learning session. It’s this renewed confidence that sparks long-term commitment.

Improved relationships with students are another critical benefit of arts integration. Teachers overwhelmingly report that it strengthens these bonds, with 91% affirming a positive impact. One school administrator reflects, “Your sessions are renewing my interest in the field of education and providing new ways to educate students,” underscoring how professional learning in arts integration fuels fresh enthusiasm and effective teaching strategies.

This new energy is essential, especially when teachers face overwhelming pressures. “I feel like the past few months, I’ve been in survival mode. This conference helped ignite my spark!” shared one educator after attending our 2025 Foundational Seminar, illustrating how arts-integrated learning opportunities provide crucial professional and emotional support.

Beyond personal fulfillment, the numbers tell a compelling story: According to research from a federal literacy grant, nearly 70% of participating teachers reported they are more likely to stay in the profession if they can use arts integration strategies. Teacher confidence also increased significantly over the course of the grant, with self-ratings rising from 2.9 at baseline to 4.2 by the end of the grant. This shows that when teachers are supported with innovative tools and engaging professional learning, they don’t just survive—they thrive.

At ArtsNOW, we are committed to transforming education by embedding the arts into learning experiences. Our work supports teachers in building resilient, vibrant classrooms that benefit both educators and students alike.

If you believe in the power of arts integration to strengthen and retain teachers, consider donating to expand this work in more schools. And if you’re a school leader eager to explore how ArtsNOW can work with your school to boost teacher satisfaction and student engagement, let’s connect.

If we want stronger communities, a more competitive workforce, and a future-ready economy, we must start with a new vision for education.

At ArtsNOW, we believe the current system isn’t enough. Today’s students need more than test preparation. They need learning experiences that develop creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking—skills that fuel innovation, employment, and lifelong contribution.

That is why we work alongside teachers and schools to reimagine what learning looks like.

Through arts-integrated professional learning, we help educators create classrooms that are relevant, engaging, and grounded in what matters most.

Our beliefs are simple but powerful. They are shared by business leaders, workforce developers, community advocates, and families who know we cannot afford to keep doing what we’ve always done.

What We Believe

1. Every student deserves meaningful learning opportunities, no matter their zip code.

We reject the idea that opportunity should depend on geography. We help schools provide learning that builds real-world readiness—so every student is prepared to lead, contribute, and thrive.

2. Teachers are leaders.

We invest in educators as professionals and changemakers. When teachers are equipped with strong strategies and trusted to lead, their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

3. Learning should be joyful and student-centered.

When students are engaged, curious, and confident, learning becomes meaningful. We believe students learn best when their voices are valued and their learning is relevant to their lives.

4. Change should last.

Temporary fixes won’t get us where we need to go. We focus on building lasting capacity in schools and districts so that growth continues—year after year, student after student.

5. We believe in the power of community.

Real change happens through collaboration. We work with educators, families, and local partners to align learning with community goals and ensure students see themselves as capable contributors.

6. Innovation belongs in every classroom.

We help schools replace outdated models with creative, proven approaches. Arts integration is not a trend—it’s a research-based strategy that engages students while building essential 21st-century skills.

Why This Matters

Our economy is changing. Our communities are evolving. If we want the next generation to meet the moment, we must prepare them differently. That means disrupting the status quo and replacing compliance-based models with learning that’s active and future-oriented.

This isn’t just about student achievement. It’s about workforce development. It’s about civic engagement. It’s about building a society where every learner can grow into a problem-solver, a team player, a leader.

Join Us

This summer, we’re sharing the beliefs that guide our work—and inviting others to join the conversation. If you share our urgency, help us spread the word. Follow along. Share the message and stay connected to the work.

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