Young Audiences Arts for Learning (Young Audiences) recently announced the recipients of the prestigious Young Audiences for the Arts National Teaching Artist Credential (TAC) for the 2024 application round.

We are thrilled to share that two of these exceptional individuals hail from Young Audiences of Louisiana (YALA): Sallay Shameka Gray (Acting/Theater) and Dana Leon (Dance/Movement/Visual Art).

This recognition underscores Young Audiences of Louisiana's commitment to fostering the highest quality arts integrated education throughout the state. Let's delve deeper into the accomplishments of these remarkable teaching artists and explore the significance of the credential.

With a BFA in Acting and Producing from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Sallay Shameka Gray has graced stages nationwide, including performances in "Alienated," "Always on My Mind," and a role on "NCIS: New Orleans."

Shining a Spotlight on Sallay Shameka Gray

Sallay Shameka Gray, an accomplished actress born and raised in New Orleans, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her work with YALA. With a BFA in Acting and Producing from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Sallay has graced stages nationwide, including performances in "Alienated," "Always on My Mind," and a role on "NCIS: New Orleans."

Her artistic talents extend beyond the stage; she currently serves as the President of the Louisiana Chapter of Women in Film and Television, demonstrating her dedication to empowering women in the arts.

As a YALA teaching artist, Sallay ignites a love for theater in students. Her expertise fosters not only acting skills but also confidence, self-expression, and artistic exploration. Sallay's commitment to the craft shines through, and her TAC recognition is a well-deserved testament to her artistry and dedication.

Dana Leon: A Multifaceted Artist Shaping Young Minds

Dana Leon's artistic prowess spans across dance, visual art, and costume design. Her creative focus celebrates the rich tapestry of Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Brazilian, and New Orleans cultures. Dana's artistic journey has seen her perform and create costumes with renowned artistic companies, showcasing her versatility and talent.

Dana's passion inspires all age groups. For the past 16 years, she has shared her expertise with students, teaching cultural dance and visual art to Pre-K through high school students. Her genuine desire is to expose young minds to diverse cultural expressions and help them forge personal connections through dance, music, language, and visual art. Dana's affiliation with Young Audiences stretches back to 2004, and her extensive training through Wolf Trap and Baby Arts Play programs further enhances her ability to engage and inspire young learners.

A Commitment to Quality: The TAC Initiative

Launched in 2017, the TAC initiative emerged from a collaborative effort between Young Audiences affiliates and leading experts in the field of arts education. This rigorous program has since credentialed 40 exceptional teaching artists across the Young Audiences network.

Beyond recognition, the TAC program fosters a vibrant community. Credentialed Teaching Artists have the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and provide valuable professional learning sessions and mentorship for fellow YA teaching artists nationwide. Additionally, their esteemed profiles are featured on the Young Audiences website, serving as inspiration for aspiring educators.

The Power of the National Teaching Artist Credential

The TAC program signifies a significant commitment to elevating the teaching artistry profession. This nationally recognized credential rigorously evaluates teaching artists across four core competencies: Artistry, Community, Instruction and Planning and Preparation.

The TAC selection process demands a high level of artistry and pedagogical skill. Applicants submit extensive portfolios showcasing their expertise. This portfolio includes:

Exemplar Video: Candidates demonstrate their ability to effectively lead classroom instruction through a video presentation.
Residency Design and Implementation: Applicants submit original arts or arts integrated residency lesson plans that demonstrate their planning and execution skills.
Recommendation Letters: Strong letters of support from arts and education professionals add credibility to the candidate's qualifications.
Reflection Statements: Applicants delve deeper into their artistic practice by reflecting on how their artistry informs their teaching and vice versa. They also explore how they create inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Each submission undergoes a thorough review process by a distinguished panel comprising leaders from non-profits, arts education directors from state departments of education and arts agencies, and past TAC recipients.

This process ensures that the TAC credential identifies exceptional teaching artists who consistently deliver high-quality arts integration experiences in K-12 schools. The program serves a multifaceted purpose:

Validates the Field of Teaching Artistry: The TAC program formally recognizes teaching artistry as a specialized profession requiring expertise in both artistic practice and effective pedagogy.
Promotes Collaboration and Best Practices: Credentialed Teaching Artists represent a national network dedicated to sharing knowledge and best practices. They serve as valuable resources for Young Audiences teaching artists across the country through professional learning sessions and mentorship opportunities.
Provides Quality Assurance for Schools: The TAC program guarantees schools access to highly qualified and recognized teaching artists, ensuring effective arts integration experiences for students.
Enhances Student Learning Outcomes: At the heart of the TAC program lies the belief that exceptional teaching artists contribute significantly to successful learning outcomes for students.

Celebrating Excellence and Looking Ahead

Young Audiences of Louisiana is immensely proud of Sallay Shameka Gray and Dana Leon for receiving the prestigious National Teaching Artist Credential. Their talent, dedication, and commitment to nurturing young minds embody the core values of Young Audiences. We are excited to see them continue to inspire and empower students through transformative arts integration programs.

To learn more about the TAC initiative, including the application process and other credentialed teaching artists, visit www.youngaudiences.org/TAC.

Join us in celebrating all those who dedicate their talents to enriching the lives of young people through the power of arts education.

Shining a Light on Excellence: Young Audiences of Louisiana Celebrates Young Audiences Arts for Learning National Teaching Artist Credential Recipients

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