On Friday, January 30, P.S. ARTS Staff and Teaching Artists gathered at the Children’s Institute campus for our annual Winter Professional Development (PD). Though the PD was originally planned as a day-long convening, P.S. ARTS made the decision to shorten the day’s programming and cancel the post-PD mixer scheduled later that evening in response to the nationwide strike and shutdown in protest of violent actions by government agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This decision reflected a core value of P.S. ARTS: showing up for our community including our students, staff, and Teaching Artists while staying mission-aligned and leading with care.
The morning began with an energizing outdoor activity that brought Teaching Artists and Staff together in movement and conversation. Participants divided into groups based on shared criteria, creating space for connection across disciplines and roles. From there, the group transitioned into two focused breakout sessions centered on instructional practice and collective learning.
After the breakout sessions, the group reconvened for lunch, allowing time for connection and reflection before the day wrapped. Though the afternoon sessions were postponed, follow-up is planned virtually, ensuring that Teaching Artists receive the planned support and training from P.S. ARTS.
Winter PD was not just a moment for professional development; it was a reflection of who we are as an organization. By choosing care, alignment, and community, P.S. ARTS affirms its commitment to the work we do every day: centering students, uplifting educators, and staying grounded in our values, in response to what’s happening in our communities at large.
