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Educators

The Teacher Initiative is a free, year-long cohort that equips educators to integrate visual arts across curriculum — strengthening student voice, engagement, and belonging in every classroom.

copy of 8 23 25 cohort session

The Teacher Initiative expands arts access for Waco-area educators, centering diverse perspectives and culturally grounded learning.

Through hands-on training and partnerships with local artists, we equip teachers with the tools and confidence to bring creativity into every classroom.

Launched with inaugural support from the Rapoport Foundation and sustained through the belief and investment of Waco Foundation, this initiative continues to strengthen schools and expand opportunity across our community.

Collaborating with artists

By partnering with a diverse range of artists, we bring vibrant, inclusive art experiences to students, enriching their education and broadening their perspectives.

What we Offer

Discover your inner artist in our welcoming adult art classes. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our diverse range of courses caters to all levels. From painting and drawing to pottery and mixed media, you'll find a class that sparks your creativity.

Our supportive instructors make learning fun and accessible, helping you explore new techniques and express yourself freely. Join us to unwind, meet like-minded people, and surprise yourself with your own artistic potential.

What to expect

Each month, you will:

• Engage in immersive, hands-on studio experiences
• Learn directly from diverse local teaching artists
• Practice strategies that strengthen student voice and engagement
• Collaborate with educators across campuses and districts
• Earn CPE credit while growing as a creative leader

You won’t just sit and listen. You will create, experiment, reflect, and lead.

WHAT EDUCATORS ARE SAYING

“This cohort reignited my love for teaching. I felt inspired again — and my students felt it too.”
“I left every session with strategies I could use immediately. It wasn’t theory. It was real, practical, and transformative.”
“Being in a room with other creative educators reminded me why I chose this profession.”
“My students became more confident in their ideas. I became more confident in my leadership.”
“It’s more than professional development. It's a community.”

When Teachers Grow, Communities Thrive

The Teacher Cohort equips educators with the vision, tools, and confidence to lead — transforming classrooms and expanding opportunity for students across Waco. Be part of what’s next.

We're Hiring

Art Center Waco is now accepting applications for Summer Art Camp Instructors and Art Camp Aides for Summer 2026.
Join us in creating a fun, creative environment where young artists can explore, learn, and make art all summer long.
View the job descriptions and apply using the links below.

Summer Art Camp Instructors

(Seasonal: Winter, Spring & Summer)

Full Job Description

Art Camp Instructors at Art Center Waco are creative leaders who inspire young artists through joyful, hands-on learning across all seasonal camps. With training and support from the Education team, instructors design and lead age-appropriate art experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence, and self-expression. Instructors work collaboratively with staff, teacher aides, and volunteers to create a safe, inclusive, and energizing camp environment where every child feels welcome and creative risk-taking is celebrated. Artists and educators are encouraged to apply.
Apply now

Summer Art Camp Aides

(Seasonal: Winter, Spring & Summer)

Full Job Description

With direct oversight by the Camp coordinator, summer camp Aides are responsible for assisting teachers as they teach their art classes. As a member of the summer camp team, you are expected to work in cooperation with other teachers and staff.
Apply Now

Spring 2026 cohort is now open!

Individuals selected to be part of the cohort will be notified of their acceptance via email on or before December 23, 2025.

Art Teacher Cohort - 5

  • Saturday, January 10 – Cohort Launch
  • Saturday, February 7
  • Saturday, March 21
  • Saturday, April 11
  • Saturday, May 2

General Education Cohort - 2A

  • Saturday, January 10 – Cohort Launch
  • Saturday, February 14
  • Saturday, March 28
  • Saturday, April 4
  • Saturday, May 16
Apply Now!

FAQ

Refine your craft, amplify diverse voices, grow as a leader, and build a lasting community. Onsite classroom support is also available upon request.

Each session features a training or presentation by local artists and experts, followed by hands-on art creation with guided instruction.

Cohort members meet once a month on a Saturday for 3 hours.

Yes, You’ll earn 3 CPE credits per session you attend.

ACW can offer this teacher program  completely free thanks to  generous grant by the Rapoport Foundation.

Cohort groups are limited to 15 spots per semester.  Applications are open twice a year—December for the Spring session and July for the Fall session. Please contact Desiree, Education Project Manager at desiree@artcenterwaco.org for further details.

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