Teacher Tuesdays is a new monthly professional development series designed to engage and inspire educators through the lens of American music and its cultural impact. Held once per month, each session will explore a different theme—ranging from history and social movements to songwriting, identity, and interdisciplinary teaching strategies—while providing participants with practical tools they can bring back to their classrooms. Programs will feature guest speakers, behind-the-scenes access to exhibitions and collections, and opportunities for collaboration with fellow educators. Participants will receive a certificate for 2 hours of professional development, making Teacher Tuesdays both a meaningful and rewarding way to connect classroom learning with the power of music. Held 6-8PM in the Center’s Powell Soundstage.
In this session, we will explore how an understanding of brain development, regulation, relationships, and readiness to learn can inform everyday classroom practices. Educators will learn how students’ neurological and emotional states can influence their ability to attend, engage, connect, and learn—and how simple classroom experiences can help support regulation.
A central focus will be music as an everyday classroom intervention. Through rhythm, movement, songs, musical routines, and intentional listening, educators can use music to support regulation, attention, transitions, connection, memory, and engagement.
Our guest presenter for this program is Dr. Laura Sharp. Dr. Sharp has more than 30 years of experience in the field of mental health, with a career spanning work with individuals across the lifespan. Her greatest professional passion, however, has always been school-based mental health and the opportunity to support the students and educators who shape our schools and communities.
Throughout her career, Laura’s work has deepened her belief in the remarkable resiliency of the human spirit. This belief has inspired her to explore, develop, and share innovative approaches to strengthening the neurological, emotional, and relational well-being of both students and educators. She is passionate about translating what we know about the developing brain into practical strategies that can be used every day in schools.
Laura holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is a Licensed Psychologist. She is also certified in School Psychology, School Counseling, and Pupil Personnel Supervision. She is the co-founder and CEO of Lotus Educational Services, LLC, where she works to strengthen the capacity of educators and school communities to foster resilience, connection, and well-being.
Grade Levels: All
Subject Areas: All
Program Format: lecture/discussion/hands on activities
