Springboard offers more than 175 award-winning programs that bring experts - writers, musicians, actors, storytellers, dancers, visual artists, cultural specialists and scientists - to students and teachers across the region. Our deeply knowledgeable artists and specialists are caring and passionate teachers, responsive to the needs of classroom educators and students.

Performances

Performances combine the excitement of a live presentation with audience participation for up to 300 students. These 45-minute programs bring educational topics to life and introduce young minds to the artistry and talent of professional performers.

Classroom Experiences (Workshops and Residencies)

Workshops incorporate masterful demonstration with hands-on activities for up to 25 participants. These programs give students the opportunity to meet with a professional artist and learn about their art form in a classroom setting. Workshops are 60 minutes unless otherwise noted.

Residencies allow individual classrooms of up to 25 students to explore the creative process through several sequential, workshop-style sessions with a teaching artist or specialist. Each project is planned in collaboration with teachers and customized to fit the curriculum. The length, number of sessions with students and other details vary by project. Projects range from 3 to 14 sessions.

Search our programs to find just the right options to enhance your curriculum. Discounts are available when scheduling more than one classroom or audience for a performance, workshop or residency.

Ensuring Excellence Teaching artists undergo a rigorous application and assessment process that ensures high-quality programs. All programs are aligned with Missouri Grade Level Expectations and standards. New teachers attend an extensive orientation program and all teaching artists are regularly observed and evaluated by Springboard staff and members of the program committee. Teaching artists also meet individually with the Springboard program directors to review their lesson plans. Springboard has an extensive collection of cultural artifacts, books, clothing and other teaching tools that teaching artists are encouraged to bring into the classroom. Twice-a-semester professional development programs and monthly forums hone the teaching skills of our specialists.