Arts Integration Certification™
Unlock your future as a Certified Arts Integration Specialist.
Take the next step on your education journey with this self-paced, accredited program designed for K-12 educators and leaders. Enroll during this two-week window and receive $749 in enrollment bonuses, including a free Sprint Intensive with live coaching.
Apply by Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
plus 20 CEUs with certificate (often suitable for relicensure)
to all online video lessons, resources, and readings (start anytime!)
to complete and fully flexible to your schedule (extensions available)
for 18 months or $1,497 if paid in full. School POs accepted.
Enroll during special enrollment and receive all four bonuses
These are on top of everything already included in your tuition. Enroll any time before applications close on September 22 and they’re yours.
A $100 Amazon gift card
Yours with enrollment. Spend it on your classroom, your bookshelf, or yourself. No hoops, no rebate forms.
A free Sprint Intensive of your choice
Eight weeks of complimentary live calls with our coaching staff for whichever Sprint you choose. It’s the same live coaching that normally carries a $250 fee.
Use within 6 months of enrollment.
Complimentary virtual access to the 2027 National Arts Integration and STEAM Conference
Join thousands of educators at our flagship event, with every virtual session included, on us.
Our new AI Support Tools for Teachers
Full access to the Strategy Engine and Digital Planner, purpose-built AI supports that help you plan integrated lessons in minutes, not weekends.
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.
“I loved every (brain-busting) moment of this incredible program! For anyone wanting to learn how to incorporate the arts–and assess and measure successful programs–this is a fantastic certification!”
Unlock new levels of student engagement.
As 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:
K-12 Classroom and Arts Teachers
Seeking to enrich their teaching methods and engage students at a deeper level using a standards-based model.
School Administrators & Curriculum Coordinators
Looking to integrate innovative, proven approaches in their schools and curriculum.
Teaching Artists & Museum Educators
Open to learning how to connect with curriculum standards, make connections to school offerings, and eager to make a meaningful impact in the educational sphere.
“This program promotes deep thinking about new content areas and about the content areas you think you have mastery of. The program’s progression helps you dip your toe into the other content areas in manageable ways.”
“Rather than just giving ideas, the program actually shows how to take Arts and blend it with the core subjects without adding any extra work for the teacher.”
“Before, I really felt like I was on an island. But now, this program has given me a process that I’m able to share with other teachers.”
Why get certified in arts integration?
Whether you’ve been using STEAM or arts integration for a while and are ready for 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: four sprints to certification
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…
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
- Integrated Vocabulary List
- Standards Quick Reference Guide
- Standards Alignment Template
- Integrated Habits of Mind
- Cognitive Demand Reference Sheet
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).
- Arts Integration Lesson Template
- Lesson Adjustment Guide
- 8 Big Ideas for Assessment Sheet
- Authentic Assessment Guidebook
- Assessment Planner
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.
- STEAM Look-For List
- Implementation Framework
- Creating Engaging PD Reference Sheet
- Video Session Planning Sheet
- Editing PD Cheat Sheet
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.
- Leadership Profile
- CBAM Phases of Change Resource
- Your Guide to Mentors, Facilitators, and Coaches
- Group Dynamics Identification Sheet
- Gap Analysis ID Form
Investing in a program like this is a commitment.
So you probably have specific questions about whether this will work for you and your school. Here are a few of the most common ones (click each to expand):
Yes! Please share these program goals with your approving administrator. The following are the goals for learners who complete the IAS Arts Integration Certification Program:
- Providing deep knowledge and understanding of arts integration and STEAM methodology.
- Developing learner capacity to build and sustain focus on developing an arts integration portfolio of work that is reflective of their teaching philosophy and personal teaching practice.
- Cultivating learner ability to analyze and review data as a means of developing arts integration and STEAM interventions for students.
- Encouraging reflection of the learner’s own teaching and leading practices, as well as how to collaborate and lead others through arts integrated methods.
- Creating arts integration and STEAM lessons and assessments which tie into current national standards and various assessment types.
- Presenting their body of work to a larger audience through a short public presentation and final portfolio.
The independent study track provides immediate access to the certification program based upon your payment schedule. When paid in full, learners receive access to all 4 sprints upon enrollment. When selecting the 4-pay plan, learners receive access to all 4 sprints upon enrollment; however, access will be restricted if a payment is missed.
Learners may move through each sprint at their own pace. Learners are expected to submit each project for one-time feedback to ensure they are on the right track as they move through the program.
Independent track learners do not have access to a coach or cohort, but have the flexibility of autonomous learning. However, independent learners will have the ability to connect once per quarter with a member of our Academic team to ask questions and receive clarification.
Final portfolios will go through a revision process; however, a successful portfolio (80% or above) must be submitted within 3 iterations.
Upon successful passing of the final portfolio, candidates will receive Level 1 Certification, be recognized during our online commencement in June of the year they finish, be listed in our alumni directory, and receive 520 PD hours and 20 CEUs.
What if you have questions along the way? We have a great team of people who are here to support you all of the way. If you run into an issue, or even if you just need a sounding board for an idea – we’re just an email, phone call or text away. Phone/Text: 443-821-1089 or email us here.
While you should always follow any pre-approval requirements in your district, we have helped thousands of educators advance on their district’s salary scale and meet their relicensing requirements. Some states require that organizations be pre-approved, while others accept hours based on the certificate received. Here is how we meet the various requirements:
States that require pre-approval which we have achieved:
- New York Teachers: click here to review our CTLE approval and number
- Pennsylvania Teachers: click here to review our Act 48 approval and number
- All other teachers: click here to review our list of states and approval status
The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The Institute complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, The Institute is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.
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.
“Thank you for this program. All of the people involved in making this program have been nothing but excellent the entire time and it brings me joy to be around people like me who are passionate about the arts and want to use that to make a bigger impact on education and the world.”
How does it work? Certification is as simple as 1, 2, 3…
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. 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 the last 12 months, we’ve had over 100 requests for arts integration specialists and have seen over $1 million of Arts Integration Specialist salaries funded from state and local funds.
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.
- 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 (IACET). All program participants will receive at least 520 PD hours and 20 CEUs (often used for relicensure requirements and salary scale increases) from The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM upon successful completion of the program, along with being certified as an arts integration specialist through our organization.
Additionally, all participants have the option of registering for 6 graduate credits through our partner, California State University 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 $1497.
The Institute complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, The Institute is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.
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.
Done-for-You Resource Lists, Templates, and Reference Files
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.
Bonus Masterclasses, Advanced Trainings, and Exclusive Supports
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.
An Internationally-Accredited Certification with 520 PD Hours and 20 CEUs (plus optional grad credit)
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.
Special Enrollment Bonuses (September 8–22 only)
A $100 Amazon gift card, a free Sprint Intensive of your choice ($250), complimentary virtual access to the 2027 National Arts Integration and STEAM Conference ($149), and our new AI Support Tools for Teachers ($250).
Your investment
This is a comprehensive and deeply personalized certification program. As such, your investment reflects that value. School POs are accepted. Flexible payment options are available.
One payment of
An affordable opportunity for 2026 – select credit card or School PO option.
Flexible payments · 18 payments of
Select Klarna at checkout. Flexible payment plan options start as low as $83/mo for 18 months and extend up to 4 payments of $375/mo.
We make paying 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 details
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.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of acceptance. With limited spaces available, admittance cannot be guaranteed. Applicants will receive notification of admission status within 2 business days of application submission.
For this special enrollment period, applications close Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
Here are your options
DIY
Keep going at it alone, scouring the internet and learning the hard way.
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.
This Certification Program
Get the processes, templates, and tools you need as an arts integration specialist, plus $749 in special enrollment bonuses when you enroll by September 22.
We want you to feel totally comfortable applying
So if you still have some questions, we’ll be happy to answer them! You can also view all FAQ here.
The Arts Integration Certification™ Program is an incredible experience, but it’s not for everyone. This is best for those who:
- Identify as a “self-starter.”
- Are an independent learner who doesn’t need a lot of handholding to get things done*.
- Have used arts integration in some capacity in the past and have gone through at least one other arts integration PD experience.
- Are coachable and willing to open your mind to alternative possibilities.
- Are familiar with education standards and willing to learn how to incorporate them.
- Tend to assume the best intentions from others and try to follow the golden rule “treat others as you’d like to be treated”.
*If you prefer to learn with a coach/facilitator and a small group, please be prepared to add-on the Sprint Intensives so we can help maximize your success. (During this special enrollment, your first Sprint Intensive is included free.)
This program isn’t for everyone. This might not be a good fit if:
- You’re currently in the middle of a PhD or Master’s program.
- Have been using arts integration for years and are not willing to consider other approaches to the model you’re familiar with.
- You haven’t had any previous experience with arts integration.
- You’re a Pre-K or Preschool educator.
- You’re a homeschool parent/instructor.
- Do NOT want to look at educational standards and learn how to read/use them.
- You’re only seeking validation for something you’re “already doing”.
- You’re looking to copy this program and use it to create your own.
If you resonate with any of these statements, then Certification may not be a good fit for you at this time, and that’s okay.
Yes! You’ll get access to everything as soon as you enroll. If you decide to take an optional Sprint Intensive, your coach will work with you during an 8-week period. You’ll need to review all of the lesson material prior to the 8-week coaching. This is so that you have the opportunity to really dig into the content of each sprint, connect with your cohort and have adequate time to work on your project submission.
That will be completely up to your school or district. The total time investment in this program is 520 clock hours (with an additional 200 PD hours if you take all 4 sprint intensives). At the end of your certification program, you will be provided with a certificate of completion for those clock hours, along with 20 CEUs, and a certificate stating that you are a Level I Certified Arts Integration Specialist through IAS. We definitely recommend you check with your district if you plan to use this program for CEU/PD hour requirements.
There is also an opportunity to earn 6 graduate credits (for an additional fee of $594 plus $12 transcript fee) from our accredited partner, CSU San Marcos. That will be made available only to accepted enrollees who complete all 4 sprint intensives.
Your total investment is $1,497 (if paid in full). You can make payment in full via credit card or school purchase order. We also offer the option to use Klarna to create a custom installment payment plan for flexibility. Klarna offers payment plans based on your credit history. You can choose your plan!
All tuition payment options include all trainings, materials, and portfolio review.
Keep in mind that other certification and advanced study programs can cost up to $5,000-10,000 and they do not provide the practical focus of this arts integration program.
School districts MAY use a purchase order – please contact us for more details if your application is accepted and you would like to use a school purchase order.
Please note: each person in the group must apply and be accepted into the program first.
This program has been organized into (4) sprints, each followed by a recommended 4-week rest period to help provide you the deepest learning experience in a compacted period of time. You’ll have up to 3 years to complete the program. We are all busy and our mentors are cognizant that you are probably doing this while still working your full-time job. We provide as much flexibility as possible, but please keep in mind that this is a time commitment and can be intense during each sprint. Our alumni tell us to think of each sprint as taking a master’s degree course.
We have a great team of people who are here to support you all of the way. If you run into an issue, or even if you just need a sounding board for an idea – we’re just an email, phone call or text away.
Phone/Text: 443-821-1089 or email us here.
Set yourself up for success.
Apply today for the Arts Integration Specialist Certification Program. It could be the first step towards your best future. And during this window, it comes with $749 in enrollment bonuses and no application fee.
Apply by Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
Applications reviewed within 2 business days. Tuition is only due if you are accepted.