ABOUT US

The result of a merger between Springboard to Learning and Young Audiences of St. Louis in 2006, our organization is the region’s largest provider of in-school arts and cultural integration and enrichment programs serving approximately 75,000 students and teachers each year in elementary and middle schools with 210,000 student contact hours. We are a 501(c)(3) organization with a board of directors, full time office staff, and a roster of talented teaching artists.

Click here to view our 2007-2008 Annual Report. (1.3 MB PDF)

Springboard connects school content to the real-world through active learning.

In one class, students learn to use their own experiences as the basis for a radio show. In another class, children learn to drum a traditional African rhythm on a shoe box. A third class may listen to a tale about Hindu gods and goddesses as told by a native of Delhi who stands before them dressed in a gorgeous silk sari. A fourth may finally come to understand what happens to a hamburger when it is swallowed. But in all of our programs students are empowered. They realize that it is possible for them to become a scientist or an artist and, perhaps most importantly, that they can make informed decisions about their own lives.

Through Springboard, academics also improve: vocabularies expand, writing is used for authentic purposes, and students learn through different modalities. Springboard programs encourage students to take risks, to work cooperatively and to take pride in their accomplishments.

Provides sustained engagement with Teaching Artists

Our teaching artists visit schools on a regular basis. In long or short-term residencies, our teaching artists develop a set of lesson plans that actively promote creativity and critical thinking through hands-on work. In additions, some of our programs are one-time workshops or high-energy performances that introduce students to the artistry and talent of professional performers.

Employs and contracts with content experts as teachers

Springboard teaching artists are professional musicians, dancers, artists, writers and storytellers. Our programs are also taught by experts in science, literature, history or the cultures of lands outside the US. They undergo a rigorous application and assessment process that ensures all programs are of high quality. All programs are aligned with Missouri Grade Level Expectations (GLE’s) and standards.

Trains, supervises and monitors the work of Teaching Artists

Springboard programs are vetted by our professional staff. New teachers attend an extensive orientation program. During the school year professional development programs, specifically designed for teaching artists, are offered - twice a year for the entire teaching staff and voluntary monthly meetings for teachers interested in talking more about their classroom experiences.

All teaching artists are regularly observed and evaluated by Springboard staff and members of the program committee. Artists also meet individually with the Springboard Program Directors to review their lesson plans and gather materials from our well-stocked collection.