What is the Arts Integration Certification™ Program?
The IAS Arts Integration Certification™ Program is the gold-standard training program for educators who want to become Arts Integration Specialists and bring creative, hands-on learning into the classroom.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your expertise, our step-by-step certification program gives you a proven model with tools and resources to successfully implement arts integration and STEAM—saving you time and effort while achieving measurable results.
We’ve helped hundreds of alumni across 31 countries and territories unleash the power of creativity in their classrooms, schools, and districts. We’d be honored to help you too.
– STEPHANIE PINTO, 2020 Certification AlumniAs a certified Arts Integration Specialist, you’ll unlock new levels of student engagement, foster a love of learning, and be at the forefront of educational innovation.
Who is This Program For?
The Arts Integration Certification™ Program is designed for:
– KATY SHIREY, 2022 Certification Alumni
– SHILPA VERMA, 2020 Certification Alumni
– ELIZABETH BROOKS, 2018 Certification AlumniWhy Get Certified?
Whether you’ve been using arts integration for a while and are ready to take your next step, or you’re exploring different career options, Arts Integration Certification™ can help. Here’s how this program can benefit you and your future goals:
Credibility
In a recent survey, 86% of polled administrators said that certified arts integration specialists are more credible than non-certified specialists.
Advance with Hours
This accredited program comes with 520 PD hours, 20 CEUs, and up to 6 Grad Credits. So you can advance your career (and on the salary scale) with PD that makes a difference.
Career Options
95% of alumni report this program helped them become better educators overall, and 87% feel confident they now have skills that transfer across professions.
Getting Certified opens so many doors and opportunities. From leading others to a whole new career, our alums are using their skills in amazing ways – and so can you.
What You’ll Learn
Whether you want to become a national leader in using Arts Integration or the go-to person in your school/district for using the approach, this certification program will deepen your understanding of:
Program Overview
Each sprint in the Arts Integration Certification Program contains 5-6 core video trainings, workbooks to help you put your learning into practice and a culminating project. Each project is part of your certification portfolio which is submitted to the mentor panel when you finish all 4 sprints.
This program is grounded in meeting these established standards.
View the full current handbook here.
Here’s the outline of each sprint…
SPRINT 1
Foundations of Integration – Building Core Knowledge
Arts Integration Specialists are required to have a working knowledge of arts processes, demonstrating this through curriculum support. Specialists must also know where to find curricular standards in all areas and how to align arts and content standards for natural integration. To support you in this, Sprint One covers:
- An Overview of Arts Integration
- Specific AI Strategies in Each Arts Area
- How to Connect through Standards
- The Standards Alignment Process
- The Arts Integration Lesson Planning Process
- How to Use Cognitive Demand to Support Arts Integration
Sprint Project: Create a set of 8-10 total standards alignments
SAMPLE OF RESOURCES INCLUDED:
- Integrated Vocabulary List
- Standards Quick Reference Guide
- Standards Alignment Template
- Integrated Habits of Mind
- Cognitive Demand Reference Sheet
SPRINT 2
Lessons and Assessments – Become a Lesson-Writing Master
Arts Integration Specialists are often tasked with creating lesson plans which connect naturally-aligned standards, provide equitable assessments in both areas, and are responsive to all students’ learning preferences. Here’s what we’ll cover in Sprint Two so you’ll feel confident in these areas:
- Components of an Arts Integration Lesson
- Sequencing Strategies to Lessons to Projects
- Lesson Implementation Cycle
- The Purpose of Assessment
- How to Assess Arts Integration
Sprint Project: Create 2 Arts Integration Lessons with Assessments (must include diagnostic, formative and summative examples).
SAMPLE OF RESOURCES INCLUDED:
- Arts Integration Lesson Template
- Lesson Adjustment Guide
- 8 Big Ideas for Assessment Sheet
- Authentic Assessment Guidebook
- Assessment Planner
SPRINT 3
Connecting with Other Initiatives – Expanding Your Reach
As an arts integration specialist, you’re going to need to know how to connect with all of the other priorities that are going on in your school or district. In this sprint, you’ll learn how to use STEAM and the Innovation Design Cycle as a way to infuse arts integration when it makes sense. You’ll also learn how to foster positive relationships with partners and how to present effective professional development. You’ll cover:
- What is STEAM and how do we use it?
- STEAM vs. Arts Integration
- Creating a PD Session on Strategies, Lessons, Assessments, Standards or Extensions
- Presenting your PD Session via Recorded Video
Sprint Project: Create a PD session about arts integration or STEAM via recorded video which is shared at an online conference.
SAMPLE OF RESOURCES INCLUDED:
- STEAM Look-For List
- Implementation Framework
- Creating Engaging PD Reference Sheet
- Video Session Planning Sheet
- Editing PD Cheat Sheet
SPRINT 4
Leading Change Efforts – Working with Administrators
All Arts Integration Specialists must work with leadership in order for their efforts to succeed. You’ll need to know how and what data to collect, how to coach others through change, and how to serve as a bridge between teachers and leaders. In this Sprint, you’ll explore:
- How to Embrace Leadership
- Addressing Challenges
- Integrating Data Analysis
- Working with Administration
- Teaching Adults this Approach
- How to Build Buy-In and Break through Resistance
Final Sprint Project: Create a final portfolio that highlights your abilities as an arts integration specialist.
SAMPLE OF RESOURCES INCLUDED:
- Leadership Profile
- CBAM Phases of Change Resource
- Your Guide to Mentors, Facilitators, and Coaches
- Group Dynamics Identification Sheet
- Gap Analysis ID Form
Optional Live Virtual Coaching: Sprint Intensives
While the core program is self-paced, all participants have the option to add live, online coaching to any or all sprints.
These are called “Sprint Intensives”. Each 8-week Intensive meets in a dedicated Zoom room and allows you to work with a coach and cohort of others for your selected Sprint.
These Sprint Intensives are offered all year long, and help support learners who prefer more direction, a guide to preview their work, and a timeline to complete a Sprint.
You can review the Sprint Intensives Catalog here.
These coaching opportunities are optional, and carry an additional $250 fee per sprint.
PD On Your Terms.
The entire program is self-paced and online, so you can participate from home or work.
While designed to be completed in a year or less, you have up to 3 years to finish. So if life happens (and it will)…you’re covered.
– CHAN’TELE ROUNTREE, 2022 Certification Alumni
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Certification is as simple as 1, 2, 3…
The entire arts integration certification program is available as soon as you enroll. Here’s what happens…
#1: Apply
Submit your application. Our admissions team will review it and get back to you within 2 business days.
#2: Learn
Go through each sprint at your own pace. When you’ve finished all 4 sprints, submit your final portfolio for review.
#3: Get Certified!
Score an 80% or better on your portfolio and get certified. Join our alumni community for continued networking and perks!
Can I see reviews from past Alumni?
We’re proud to feature real reviews from our graduates. They reflect the wide range of educators who’ve joined us and are now:
Want to read stories from educators just like you and see the results they’ve been able to create after taking the program? We’ve got you covered.
Are there Jobs for This?
Simply put: yes. All year long, we receive inquiries for arts integration specialists to work with schools, districts, and organizations. Over the last 5 years, we’ve seen incredible increases in the amount of Arts Integration and STEAM Specialist positions available in and out of schools. In this year alone, we’ve seen over $2 million of Arts Integration Specialist salaries funded from federal grants.
Schools, organizations, and communities are seeking educators who know how to make connections and provide creative learning opportunities.
We cannot guarantee you a job – that wouldn’t be ethical. But what we CAN guarantee is this program will expand your capacities as an educator, build your leadership skills, and help you secure valuable connections that will increase your value in the marketplace.
Many of our graduates have created their own positions after going through this program. Their administration saw the transformation and bought in. Other graduates have gone on to become national consultants, leaders in their schools and districts, and award-winning program directors.
This program will help you flex and expand your job skills, bringing you exponential opportunity for the future.
OTHER BENEFITS TO CERTIFICATION INCLUDE:
- 520 PD Hours and 20 CEUs Included
- IACET Accredited Certification
- State-of-the-Art Online Learning Platform
- Listed in our Alumni Directory for Schools/Districts
We offer a personalized experience by accepting a limited number of qualified applicants.
Are there Jobs for This?
Simply put: yes. All year long, we receive inquiries for arts integration specialists to work with schools, districts, and organizations. Over the last 5 years, we’ve seen incredible increases in the amount of Arts Integration and STEAM Specialist positions available in and out of schools. Schools, organizations, and communities are seeking educators who know how to make connections and provide creative learning opportunities.
We cannot guarantee you a job – that wouldn’t be ethical. But what we CAN guarantee is this program will expand your capacities as an educator, build your leadership skills, and help you secure valuable connections that will increase your value in the marketplace.
Many of our graduates have created their own positions after going through this program. Their administration saw the transformation and bought in. Other graduates have gone on to become national consultants, leaders in their schools and districts, and award-winning program directors.
This program will help you flex and expand your job skills, bringing you exponential opportunity for the future.
OTHER BENEFITS TO CERTIFICATION INCLUDE:
- 520 PD Hours and 20 CEUs Included
- IACET Accredited Certification
- State-of-the-Art Online Learning Platform
- Listed in our Alumni Directory for Schools/Districts
We offer a personalized experience by accepting a limited number of qualified applicants.
Accreditation, PD Hours and Graduate Credit
This program is fully accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (
Additionally, all participants have the option of registering for 6 graduate credits through our partner, University of California San Marcos if they also complete 1:1 coaching for all 4 sprints*.
* Total additional fee for graduate credits is $1594. CSUSM charges $594 for the 6 graduate credits. Each 1:1 coaching sprint is $250 for a personalized 8-week instruction period. Both of these are additional to the base tuition fee of $2150.
Let’s Sum It All Up – Here’s Everything Included in Your Tuition
It’s important you know the enormous value you’ll get in this program. These numbers are not inflated – they’re an honest, good faith estimate since you can’t purchase these items separately from the Certification program.
The Core 4-Sprint Arts Integration Certification™ Program
This four-Sprint accredited program has taken 7 years to research, develop, refine, and package for you to get outstanding arts integration results. This includes transcripts, streaming videos, MP3s, and action guides.
*Other certification programs like this one run between $5-10K. We feel strongly that this is outside of many educators’ budgets and aim to provide the highest-quality program at an affordable rate for educators.
($8,000 value)
If you’ve ever spent hours looking for professional-quality resources, then you know how valuable this is. These accompanying resources will save you hours of time and you’ll want to laminate them because they get used so often.
($2,000 value)
Our bonus courses and resources have been created based on years of research supporting arts integration specialists and schools to see success with implementation. This is information not provided anywhere else and it’s exclusively for our learners.
($6,255 value)
This is an investment in yourself. Our program is considered globally to be the “Gold Standard” in arts integration. By getting certified in this program, you’re opening doors for your future. Whether it’s for salary advancement or for a career change, this program will immediately yield you a return on your investment. In fact, if you get hired for just one consulting session as a result of being certified, you’ll have covered the cost of your tuition.
(Priceless)
Total Certification Program Value: $16,255
Total Certification Tuition Only: $2,150*
Payment Process
We make the payment process for this program extremely easy. We accept the following forms of payment:
- School Purchase Orders
- Credit Cards
- Check
Tuition is ONLY due if you are accepted into the program. If so, payment is due within 7 days of acceptance through your preferred payment method. If you are paying for yourself, we also have the added benefit of providing you with a convenient monthly installment plan to make the program budget-friendly.
Application Process
An application is required to be considered for admission into the arts integration certification program. The application process requires a brief information form to ensure serious candidates who are the right fit for this program.
TIME TO MAKE A DECISION
Here Are Your Options:
A.
DIY
Keep going at it alone, scouring the internet and learning the hard-way.
Cost: Lots of Time and Frustration
B.
Master’s Program
Typical Master’s programs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 or more and honestly? Many of them use our resources anyway.
Cost: 2+ Years and lots of $$