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Meet the Educator-in-Residence at Mesa Arts Center

May 23, 2017

While many educators are counting down the days to their summer vacation, one is preparing for a summer of fun and sharing at Mesa Arts Center (MAC). Natalie Laskarides is the Educator-in-Residence working in Mesa Arts Center’s Engagement Office, leading the charge to develop lessons and activities for Arizona school children who visit MAC during the 2017-18 school year. “My role is to connect MAC with the needs of teachers and students so that the Engagement programming can be as meaningful and effective as possible,” Natalie said of her post.

The position demonstrates Mesa Arts Center’s commitment to working collaboratively with classroom teachers. Director of Community-Engaged Practice, Mandy Tripoli, said of the position, “MAC teaching artists are constantly in the schools working with educators. The work of the Educator-in-Residence not only deepens our connection to classroom teachers and the real challenges they face, but it also provides our Engagement team opportunities to flesh out creative solutions. Together, we are building a common language among all educators in our field and deepening the work with our students!”

A native of Mesa, and teacher in the Mesa Public School system, Natalie is no stranger to Mesa Arts Center or educating through the arts. “Engagement programming has come a long way since I was a student in Mesa, and I think that can be attributed to the out-of-the-box thinking and leadership by Mesa Arts Center’s passionate Engagement staff,” said Natalie. “I’m looking forward to being a sounding board and resource for both the Engagement team and my fellow educators.”

Are you an educator? Meet Natalie and MAC’s Engagement team at one of three, free Educator Preview Nights coming up soon. Reserve your spot ASAP as space is limited. Call 480-644-6540 or click here to register. For more info, email engagement@mesaartscenter.com. See you there!

Performing Live: 4:30-6:30pm, Thursday, July 27

Art Studios: 4:30-6:30pm, Thursday, August 17

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum: 4:30-6:30pm, Thursday, October 26