I would recommend this course to every teaching artist I know. The depth of knowledge, coupled with the opportunities to think through how the skills are applicable to my art form has given me so many tools to be a better, more sensitive and more present teaching artist.

- Ania Upstill, Teaching Artist, New42/New Victory Theater

Trauma-Informed Arts Education

Training Programs to Support Teaching Artists, Arts Educators and Administrators

At Bartol, we believe that arts education should be a space for connection, creativity, and care. That’s why our training programs are designed to help artists, educators, and administrators lead trauma-informed, culturally relevant arts programs that support participants’ full selves.

Whether you lead workshops in schools, shelters, community centers, or beyond, Bartol's trainings offer tools to create welcoming, responsive learning environments where students can explore identity, process experience, and build community through the arts.

What We Offer

Bartol’s training programs range from single-session workshops, customized training for groups and organizations, to an intensive 20-hour certificate course in Trauma-Informed Practice. Each program blends theory with real-world tools, emphasizing the connection between how we teach and how we care for ourselves and others in the process.

Our training approach centers:

  • The science of safety, stress, and trauma
  • Practices that support student expression, regulation, and agency
  • Multiple modes of engagement for inclusive and responsive learning
  • Strategies for community building, conflict navigation, and healing through art
Online CERTIFICATION COURSES
In-Person Training for Teaching Artists
In-Person Training for Arts Administrators
Custom Trainings for Groups

Get Trauma-Informed from Anywhere!

Trauma-Informed Practice Online Enrollment Now Open!

A Flexible, Cohort-Based Certificate Course for Teaching Artists and Arts Education Administrators

Enroll Now

Who is Trauma Informed Practice for?

Our certification courses are open to:

  • Teaching artists of any discipline
  • Arts administrators and program staff
  • Cultural workers and community-based educators
  • Anyone using arts to engage people in meaningful, creative ways
MEET BARTOL CERTIFIED EDUACTORS
care-centered education

What You Get from Our Certification Course:

  • Instruction from experienced facilitators who are also professional arts educators and administrators 
  • Course handbook, and a curated slate of reading and video content
  • Body of sample activities, and demonstrations by guest artists
  • Course Certificate for completion
  • Become a “Bartol Certified” Educator
  • Inclusion in Bartol’s directory of Certified Arts Educators and Administrators
  • Access to a Continued Learning Community of Bartol Certified teaching artists and arts administrators

At the Bartol Foundation, impact means more than numbers. It’s about connection, creativity, and care. We invest in community-led arts education that meets people where they are and uplifts voices that often go unheard. From trauma-informed teaching artist training to grassroots arts programs in every corner of Philadelphia, we center the work of those using the arts to build stronger, more just communities.

More Questions? Contact:

training@bartol.org

why it matters

Being trauma-informed means recognizing that stress, fear, and chronic adversity affect how we learn, connect, and create. A trauma-informed teaching artist meets participants where they are—with empathy, flexibility, and a commitment to equity.

Bartol’s programs help you answer questions like:

  • How can I create a supportive learning space that centers student voice and identity?

  • How do I navigate moments of emotional stress in the classroom?

  • What rituals and practices foster community and self-regulation?

  • How can art-making support healing, growth, and personal agency?

  • What are steps I can take to decolonize my teaching space?

  • How can I challenge power structures in education that keep learning spaces from being inclusive and equitable for all?
why bartol foundation?

Bartol has a long-standing commitment to supporting arts educators and the communities they serve. We created our trauma-informed training programs in response to a growing understanding of how the arts can support healing and transformative change—and how educators need tools and community to do this work well.

Research shows that creative practice:

  • Supports expression beyond words
  • Strengthens self-identity and self-regulation
  • Builds meaningful skills for life
  • Sparks joy, hope, and connection

As one of the few arts foundations offering free or low-cost trauma-informed training, Bartol is proud to invest in the people who make art happen—in Philly and beyond.

Throughout the Trauma Informed Practice certification class, one thought I kept returning to was why isn't this required in any teacher training? Every week I learned something new that I've since implemented in my own classes and coaching. Every teaching artist should have access to this learning material - and every arts organization with teaching artists should learn more about the Bartol Foundation's offerings and this program.

— Yasmine Ameli, Bartol Certified Teaching Artist 

Ziania Narvaez-Garcia

Yasmine Ameli

Yaqeen Yamani

Violet Alexandre

Vanesa Simon

Valentina Sierra

Ursula Majer

TS Hawkins

Tiffany Mi

Tieshka Smith

Tatiana Johnson-Boria

Shurjo Mukhi (Shreya)

Seana A Higgins

Ro Adler

Riley Irvine

Nina Marie Barbuto

Nia C.D.

Natalia M Villarán-Quiñones

Namarah

Morris L Jones

Matt Crump

Manuela Guillen

Mama Carla Wiley

Maggie Phillips

Mae Early

Libby Mislan

Lauren Stichter

Keyonna Butler

katherine perry

Joyce Laoagan

Jessica Craft

Jeff Kasper

Janine Wang

Felicia Casher

Enoch

Emily Lu

Donovan Lockett

David A Gaines

Daniela Galindo

Dale Novella

Carly L. Bodnar

Candy González

Caitlin Green

Byshera Williams

Brooke Shilling

bets charmelus

Ayiana Viviana

Athena Dugan

Anna Barnett

anichols

Angel Shanel Edwards

Anaiah Davis

Alyssa Franklin

Bartol Certified, Community Connected

A vibrant directory of artists, educators, and administrators dedicated to creating inclusive, culturally relevant arts experiences for Philadelphia and beyond.

Teaching Artist Directory

Partners & Funders

This program received lead funding from William Penn Foundation.

We are grateful for the generous support and collaboration of our funding partners, without whom our work would not be possible. Together, we expand access to arts education and invest in teaching artists at every stage of their journey.

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