Mississippi Whole Schools

Mississippi Whole Schools recently shared a new blog reflection from teaching artist Marley Maharrey highlighting the impact of theatre and improvisation in the classroom through the Teaching Artist Certification Program (TACP).

In “Trusting in the Unscripted,” Marley shares how students at Saltillo Elementary used improvisation and storytelling activities to strengthen speaking, listening, collaboration, and confidence-building skills.

The reflection offers an inside look at how arts integration creates space for creativity, connection, and meaningful student engagement.

Read the full blog at mswholeschools.org/blog

Meet the incredible 2026 Mississippi Whole Schools Summer Institute track presenters 👏

- Steve Barney
- Simone Becker
- Ian Cicco
- Limeul Eubanks
- Rivers Gainspoletti
- Julie Hammond
- Amanda Koonlaba
- Catie Nassar
- Sherry Norfolk
- Laurie Melnik Allen
- Angela Rogers

Each presenter brings a unique perspective, leading sessions across a variety of topics designed to inspire new ideas, strengthen instruction, and bring learning to life through the arts.

Whether you’re looking for fresh strategies or ready-to-use classroom approaches, there’s something here for you!

Register now to secure your spot this July → https://mswholeschools.org/portfolio-items/summer-institute-july-2026

Good news! Registration for the Mississippi Whole Schools Summer Institute has been extended through June 22!

Join educators from July 7–9 in Tupelo, Mississippi for three days of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning designed to inspire the new school year ahead.

Whether you’re looking for fresh classroom ideas, meaningful professional development, or a chance to connect with educators who believe in the power of creativity in education, Summer Institute is designed to equip and energize.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of it — register now at mswholeschools.org

Only 30 days until the Mississippi Whole Schools Summer Institute returns to Tupelo!

Summer Institute is a space where creativity and education come together in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Learn more and register before June 15 at mswholeschools.org

Mississippi Whole Schools is highlighting the powerful work happening through the Teaching Artist Certification Program (TACP) with a new blog reflection from teaching artist Angi Cooper.

In “Evolving, Always Evolving,” Angi reflects on her residency at Thomas Street Elementary and the creative process of connecting visual arts, literature, and science through arts-integrated instruction.

Her reflection offers a thoughtful look at how arts integration encourages curiosity, collaboration, and deeper learning experiences for students.

Read the full blog at mswholeschools.org/blog

What’s holding you back from attending the Mississippi Whole Schools Summer Institute? Because we can tell you what shouldn’t!

✔ Keynote speaker Ron Clark
✔ Hands-on sessions in arts integration connecting ELA, math, and science to theatre, music, visual arts, and dance
✔ Practical strategies you can actually use in your classroom
✔ Creative collaboration with educators from across Mississippi
✔ Fresh ideas that make learning more engaging, meaningful, and student-centered
✔ New ways to connect creativity with core education standards
✔ Earn CEU, SEMI, and OSL credits

This isn’t just professional development. It’s an opportunity to rethink what education can look and feel like for both teachers and students!

Learn more at mswholeschools.org

Teaching Artists: Need support as you prepare for upcoming residencies and classroom work?

Join our weekly Teaching Artist Office Hours — a flexible drop-in space to ask questions, get feedback, and connect with others working in arts integration.

Whether you need help with lesson planning, standards alignment, classroom logistics, or working with school partners, this session is designed to support you wherever you are in the process.

🗓 Mondays: June 2, June 9, June 16 & June 23
⏰ 1:15–2:15 p.m.

Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81126291659?pwd=b40dQqeXWgn9vR8EvVrmVze7wSJTX1.11