Turnaround Arts California

California’s 2026 Exemplary Arts Education Awardee and Turnaround Arts California partner school, Echo Valley Elementary () hosted their annual “Flipper Fest” bringing students, teachers, and family members together for a celebration of the arts, featuring student DJ Cinnamin and DJ Curley from the All Hands on Deck DJ Club, student Aztec and Baile folklorico performances, and hands-on arts activities for all.

Scroll through to see the joy that the arts and creativity bring to our school communities!

"The Turnaround Arts Program has re-ignited my love and enthusiasm for teaching."
— Teacher, McKinley Elementary, Compton

Teachers enter this profession to make a difference, and they deserve tools that actually help them do it.

We're raising funds to bring those tools to more classrooms. Donate today—in any amount—and you'll be invited to leave a tribute honoring a teacher who made learning meaningful for you.🧑‍🎓All donations are still being matched dollar-for-dollar!

🍎An investment in teachers is an investment in our future.
Help us give the next generation of students a teacher who lights them up! 🌟

TACA celebrated Arts Advocacy Day in April at the Capitol in Sacramento to educate state lawmakers on the power of the arts for our communities, share our challenges, and discuss policy solutions. Our Program Director, Sandy Seufert, met with Diana Morales from SELA Arts Foundation and Assembly Member José Luiz Solache (District 62) to share why it’s important to provide oversight for Prop 28 funds. Assembly Member Solache also happens to be an alumni of one of our partner schools, Washington Elementary in Lynwood!

We are incredibly grateful for leaders who understand firsthand the lifelong impact of an arts education. 🌟👏

We see art as the catalyst that lights up minds, reveals potential, encourages self-expression, and opens hearts to new possibilities. 💡🧠

By fostering curiosity and innovation, we believe we will be best positioned to creatively solve the challenges facing our public school system.

✨Our Vision: A world where the arts unlock every student’s potential.

✨Our Mission: Turnaround Arts California integrates the arts and creativity in underserved schools—to inspire students, empower teachers, engage families, and transform learning.

✨Our Values: Growth, Equity, Collaboration, Creativity, and Joy.

Imagine a world where your mom is also your favorite teacher. Sometimes you’re lucky, and Mark Howell was. Mrs. Howell was a beloved algebra teacher at Desert High School, a cheerleader sponsor, and “Coach Betty” to many softball players.

“In the wake of Title IX [Mrs. Howell] fought countless obstacles to get her girls off the dirt and onto a diamond at DHS.” The girls varsity softball field at Edwards AFB today is named Betty Howell Field in her honor.

🔗 Do you have a teacher in mind? Head to our website to honor your teacher!

Teacher Appreciation Week may be ending, but our gratitude doesn't have to!
Who is the teacher that made a difference in your life? 🧑‍🎓

Join us in recognizing them! Your donation directly supports Turnaround Arts California's work with teachers across the state who are dedicated to using the arts to fuel student learning and growth.

🍎And even better: Every donation is being matched dollar-for-dollar - meaning your gift will have 2x the impact! Thank you to our generous campaign sponsors: CAA Community & Impact, The Edward F. Limato Foundation, Field Family Foundation, City National Bank, Sills Foundation, Inc.

🔗visit turnaroundartsca.org/inspiring-teachers honor your teacher! ⭐

What teacher has inspired you? ⭐
As the school year comes to a close and we celebrate graduates across California, we’re recognizing the teachers who help make it all possible.

Teachers change lives—and they rarely get the credit they deserve. Think about the teacher who believed in you, who opened a door, who made you fall in love with learning. You probably still remember their name. 🧑‍🎓

🍎Honor your teacher with a donation of any amount and leave a tribute to them on our online tribute wall. And even better:every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to our generous campaign sponsors: CAA Community & Impact, The Edward F. Limato Foundation, Field Family Foundation, City National Bank, and Sills Foundation, Inc.!!

🔗Link in bio or turnaroundartsca.org/inspiring-teachers to honor your teacher!

Our partner school just made California history!

Echo Valley Elementary received the Exemplary Arts Education Award from the California Department of Education 🏆
Echo Valley is one of only two elementary schools to receive the award, and one of only seven schools where more than 75% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Since becoming a Turnaround Arts partner school, Echo Valley has achieved remarkable outcomes in just three years. As Principal Jacob Gile put it: “The arts help students feel connected. When students feel connected, they show up to school. When students show up, they learn.”

Echo Valley is proof that a dedicated team of teachers who believe in the power of the arts can make anything possible for their students. Turnaround Arts California is incredibly proud to stand alongside Echo Valley Elementary. Congratulations to Principal Gile, every teacher, and every student who made this possible.



(pictured: DJ Iz Avila with students at Echo Valley and Echo Valley's teachers and principal at recent CDE award ceremony in Anaheim)