What is the CPS Office of Arts Education?

Formed from a public/private partnership, the mission of the Office of Arts Education, a part of the CPS Office of Teaching and Learning, is to provide more students with access to a quality arts education with meaningful arts experiences inside and outside the classroom. We are a resource for teachers, principals and arts organizations on arts curricula and discipline-based learning strategies, arts integration, professional development for teachers and principals, arts partnerships and arts teaching credentials. We are also passionate advocates of greater funding in arts education.

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What types of resources can the Office of Arts Education provide for schools?

In addition to the programs we manage such as the All-City Music and Dance Ensembles, the All-City Art Contest, Sweet Home Chicago art exhibition, Having a Ball ballroom dance intensive and Honoring Student Voices theater/literary program, we also provide resources such as professional development opportunities, teacher events, principals’ events, and workshops. Our office can help connect you with appropriate arts organizations with which to partner, provide advice about starting or further developing your arts programs, and assist you in evaluating current programs. Another resource will be the The Chicago Guide for Teaching and Learning in the Arts, a project currently in development that will provide CPS schools and Chicago arts organizations with a curricular framework to assist in delivering quality arts education. We serve as a central “hub of communication” for CPS and the Chicago arts community.

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Where is the Office of Arts Education?

We are located in the CPS Central Office building at 125 S. Clark St. on the 9th Floor, Adams' side.

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What is discipline-based arts education?

A discipline-based program is one whose main goal is to develop students’ abilities to understand and appreciate art and art making.  It is taught as an essential component of general education and as a foundation for specialized arts study. While this type of program can connect to other subject areas, there is a concentrated focus on teaching technique and vocabulary to develop student knowledge in a given art form.

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Can I sign up to receive news and events from OAE?

Yes! Click here to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and other important announcements.

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How can I learn about upcoming professional development opportunities and events?

Sign up to receive our monthly E-Newsletter! This email is sent out at the beginning of each month, September through June and includes updates from our office, professional development opportunities, upcoming events, student matinees, and more.

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Where can I find open arts education positions within CPS?

OAE searches the CPS E-Bulletin Job Posting for full and part-time arts, music, dance (and physical education) and theater positions. If you would like a copy of this information please call 773-553-2170 or email cjgerner@cps.k12.il.us   

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I have an event I’d like to add to your calendar. How can I do this?

Find and click on any “add event” link within our site. These are located in a number of places including on the calendar, under partners, and more. This will bring up a form will for you to complete which will be sent to us for approval. Please allow 2-3 business days for your event to appear. Events remain on our site for that calendar year. Submissions are added at the discretion of the Office of Arts Education and must be relevant to CPS students, faculty or staff.

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Does the Office of Arts Education provide direct funding for individual school-based programs and projects?

No. While our office is established to be a centralized resource for schools and arts organizations, we are not presently in a position to directly fund school programs with the exception of occasional special grants.

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I want to bring in an arts partner to help provide arts education at my school. Who should I contact?

Our website includes searchable databases of many of the arts organizations who work with CPS. If you have an arts organization in mind that you’d like to partner with you can always contact them directly. Or if you aren’t sure of what organization might be the right fit for you we are happy to help you explore your options to find the best choice for your needs. In this case, please contact the curriculum supervisor in the arts discipline you are interested in.

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I am an arts partner organization. How can the Office of Arts Education help me?

Our office is a direct link to the CPS community. We can assist in connecting you with schools to both distribute information and to find the best match for programming. Our website and monthly E-Newsletter are great ways to spread the word about arts education offerings such as student matinees, professional development sessions, field trips and more! We are happy to help you explore ways to develop your programs or professional development workshops and have enjoyed facilitating the convening of arts partner organizations to discuss arts education in CPS. The Chicago Guide for Teaching and Learning in the Arts is another way our office will be able to align you with the system. Sharing your news and events with us is a wonderful way to keep in touch with the CPS community.

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I am writing a grant and need support. Can you help?

Yes! We can provide both leads on possible funding sources and advice on the grant writing process. We have also written letters of support for both schools and arts organizations.

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I need help budgeting for the arts in my SIPAAA, can I contact you?

Yes! We know the budgeting process can be difficult especially when funds are tight but we applaud your efforts to take steps to ensure the arts are an important part of your students’ education. We are happy to assist you in this process and provide guidance in this area.

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I have some general questions about your office or arts education. Who should I call?

Please call the Office of Arts Education main line at 773-553-2170. 

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I am looking for more information about the Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Cluster Program. Who should I contact?

Contact the Office of Academic Enhancement at 773-553-2105 or visit this department's website.

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I’m looking for more information about Chicago Public Schools. Where can I go?

Please visit the CPS main website for more information.

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