“Thank you all for an inspiring and magnificent morning at the Skirball and Noah's Ark. The teachers have said it was one of their favorite PDs we have ever done, and we have done a lot!” 

Skirball Cultural Center Teacher Professional Development Workshops are designed for classroom teachers and administrators looking to strengthen cultural proficiency, build restorative practices, address hate and bias, and enhance leadership development.  Through hands-on, immersive learning experiences, teachers will explore Noah’s Ark, Visions & Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America, and a current changing exhibition, if applicable. The program includes gallery learning experiences, artmaking, participation in a community council circle based on the award-winning Art of Imagination curriculum, and a final reflection with Skirball Educators on classroom applications. Bring lunch or cater for lunch; additional fees will be applied.

We will work with you to adapt the program to your teachers’ grade levels and classroom needs.

This program will: 

1. Strengthen Cultural Proficiency – Educators will learn about Jewish culture and history as an invitation to explore our shared humanity, and make connections to their own stories, identities, and cultures, ensuring that students feel seen, heard, and valued.
2. Build Restorative Practices – Through Community Council, educators will learn effective approaches to conflict resolution, student support, and relationship-building that promote accountability and empathy.
3. Address Hate and Bias – By exploring Jewish immigration stories and navigating stormy times aboard Noah’s Ark, we will explore the richness and diversity of Jewish culture and the importance of community and being an upstander. We will focus on building empathy as an antidote to hate. Educators will gain tools to create safe spaces where students can engage in meaningful dialogue on identity and social justice. We will reflect on the necessity of being in community with one another in order to build a better world.
4. Enhance Leadership Development – This program will empower teachers and administrators to model inclusivity and equity-driven practices that contribute to a more supportive school culture.
5. Build Community – This program provides hands-on collaborative activities centered in imagination, music, movement, storytelling and play to strengthen community, build empathy, foster inclusivity, and practice close-looking and artful thinking. 

All professional development workshops are aligned with California Common Core State Standards and California Arts Standards. Teachers seeking professional development hours can request letters of completion.

“I wanted to thank you and your team for such a wonderful day on Friday!  All the teachers loved spending the afternoon at the Skirball. Your team's approach and organizational skills were so nice to see. We all noted the warmth and support you not only provide one another, but to your visitors.”

• 8:45–9:00 am Arrivals and introduction
• 9:00–10:00 am Aboard Noah’s Ark at the Skirball
• 10:00–11:00 am Visit two Skirball exhibitions
  • Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America (Permanent exhibition)
  • Current changing exhibition – visit https://www.skirball.org/museum/exhibitions for what’s on view
• 11:00–11:30 am Art making/classroom applications
• 11:30 am–12:00 pm: Final reflection and closing community council
• 12:00–1:00 pm: Lunch

“Workshops at the Skirball always offer such a hands-on learning experience and wonderful opportunity to network and connect with educators and artists.”