PAEP (Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership)

Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership Announces Leadership Transition and Honors the Legacy of Executive Director Pearl Schaeffer upon her Retirement

Philadelphia, PA — The Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership (PAEP) today announced a leadership transition while honoring the extraordinary contributions of Pearl Schaeffer, whose decades of leadership have shaped arts education across the Philadelphia region.

Schaeffer guided PAEP through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. The organization began in 2000 as a collaborative of education directors from nonprofit performing and institutional arts organizations who met regularly at the University of the Arts. With funding from the William Penn Foundation, the collaborative formally incorporated as the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership in 2003, expanding its capacity to support arts education throughout the region.

Following incorporation, PAEP developed professional development programs for arts and music educators in Philadelphia. When the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) decentralized its programming and created regional partners, PAEP was selected to coordinate and facilitate the teaching artist roster for the five-county metropolitan area. Under Schaeffer’s leadership, PAEP maintained a robust roster of teaching artists and worked closely with school principals to place artists in classrooms across the region.

A passionate advocate for arts integration in schools, Schaeffer secured funding from the U.S. Department of Education to support groundbreaking research on the role of the arts in education. She successfully authored three federal grant proposals that funded long-term studies examining how arts integration influences academic achievement and social development.

The studies demonstrated that creative arts engagement significantly improves students’ retention of core reading and mathematics content. In Philadelphia, the research also documented a reduction in suspensions among elementary school boys in participating schools. Two of the studies were conducted in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, while a third was conducted with Intermediate Unit 19 in the Scranton, Pennsylvania region. Spanning twelve years, the research initiatives were led by Schaeffer as principal investigator.

Beyond research and professional development, Schaeffer expanded PAEP’s role in student arts engagement. She oversaw the organization’s facilitation of the Poetry Out Loud competition and the local branch of the National Scholastic Art Awards, giving young artists across the region opportunities to showcase their talents. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, she also coordinated student-led beautification projects that resulted in the installation of mosaics at three suburban Pennsylvania Turnpike rest stops.

Over the past eleven years, Schaeffer further expanded PAEP’s impact by launching 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Philadelphia public schools. These after-school programs provide elementary and middle school students with arts-integrated learning experiences that support reading and mathematics development while fostering creativity and engagement.

Throughout her career, Schaeffer has served as a certified English teacher, a celebrated dance artist and instructor, and a nationally respected advocate for arts in education. Her tireless work has ensured that thousands of students across the region have access to meaningful arts experiences as part of their education.

“The Board of Directors is deeply grateful for Pearl’s vision, dedication, and leadership,” said the PAEP Board in a statement. “Her work has left a lasting impact on arts education in Philadelphia and beyond.”

The Board has appointed Dr. Dennis Creedon to serve as Acting CEO of PAEP until a permanent leader is identified.
The Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership remains committed to advancing arts integration and ensuring that every student has access to the transformative power of the arts.

Media Contact:
Dr. Dennis Creedon
Acting CEO
Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership
267-496-5905
[email protected]

Join us for a special instaARTS Remake Learning Session on May 8th, 2026 from 6:30-8:00 PM EST!

🖌️🎵 This FREE event brings together professional Pennsylvania Creative Industries artists from both northeastern and southeastern Pennsylvania to guide elementary and middle level students and their families through an exciting journey of creativity in visual art, music, and theater activities—all from the comfort of your own home! 🏡✨

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to engage in real-time online lessons with talented artists! 🎨🎭 Plus, by participating, students can earn a digital badge for their career readiness portfolio through the Career Ready PA Backpack Challenge! 🎒💼

Here are the details:
🔹 Date: May 8th, 2026
🔹 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM (EST)
🔹 Registration Link: instaARTS - Remake Learning Days
🔹 Required Materials: Just a few sheets of paper, pencils, something to add color (colored pencils, markers, or crayons), and an open area to move!
🔹 Ages: Elementary and middle level students and their families
🔹 Cost: Absolutely FREE! 🆓

Discover what Remake Learning Days is all about—a festival celebrating innovative learning opportunities in our community!

📚🌱 Join us in fostering creativity, perseverance, and curiosity in our youth through engaging, hands-on educational experiences for the whole family!

Mark your calendars and spread the word! Let's remake learning together! 💡🚀

PAEP is hiring!!!

We're looking for a Part-Time Administrative Assistant. To learn more, visit our website: https://www.paep.net/news/paep-is-hiring/

Free Virtual Workshops with NAMI Philadelphia!

The Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership is pleased to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Philadelphia to offer two free, interactive virtual workshops designed for educators, caregivers, and community members.

📅 March 18 at 7:00 PM – NAMI Ending the Silence
Ending the Silence is designed for middle and high school students, school staff, and parents or guardians of middle or high school–aged youth. Participants will learn about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, how to recognize early warning signs, and why acknowledging those signs is so important.

📅 March 23 from 7:00–9:30 PM – NAMI In Our Own Voice
In Our Own Voice is a presentation for the general public that promotes awareness of mental health conditions and recovery through personal stories and education.

Both workshops are free and open to the community.

If you’re an educator, caregiver, or community member interested in learning more about mental health awareness and support, we encourage you to join us.

Register Today!

SEL Speaker Series - NAMI | Philadelphia Arts In Education Partnership The Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership is pleased to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Philadelphia to offer two free, interactive virtual workshops designed for educators, caregivers, and community members.

Starting October 15th, will be our series of arts-based workshops provided virtually. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and in collaboration with the PAEP (Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership) instaARTS is returning this fall!

InstaARTS are free LIVE online classes with different Pennsylvania Council of Arts rostered teaching artists.

The Armature and the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership will offer 12 guest artist opportunities throughout the session. Students in grades 3 – 6 are invited to discover their inner artist through a survey of art mediums including visual art, poetry, movement, music, and theater. Students will interact and meet for forty minutes via Zoom.

Fall courses run October 15 – November 21, 2025

All classes are FREE. Experience creative enrichment at home, using your personal electronic devices! The daily Zoom link will be sent upon registration.

Register Here: https://www.armaturenepa.org/instaarts or by using the qr code.

PAEP is hiring Teaching Artists!
We’re seeking passionate artists in Visual Arts, Music, Dance, and Theater to join our STEAM After-School Program.

✨ Inspire and engage youth through free after-school programming
✨ Collaborate with fellow teaching artists and school staff
✨ Access free professional development opportunities
✨ Start as soon as this week!

If you or someone you know is interested, we’d love to hear from you!
E-mail us at [email protected].

🌟 After school just got a lot more creative!

The Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership’s STEAM After-School Program uses the power of the arts to strengthen academic skills and spark curiosity. Students dive into visual arts, music, dance, and theater while building knowledge in science, math, literacy, and social-emotional learning—all in a fun, hands-on environment.

📅 When: Monday–Thursday, all school year starting September 15, 2025

This program is designed to engage, inspire, and support students throughout the year.

👉Register here:

STEAM After School Program | Philadelphia Arts In Education Partnership The Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership's STEAM After-School Program strengthens academic skills through visual and performing arts, engaging students in science, math, literacy, and social-emotional learning. Students explore multiple art forms, including visual arts, music, dance, and theat...

🎨✨ Calling all young creators!

InstaARTS is back with free LIVE online classes led by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts rostered teaching artists. Students in grades 3–6 can explore their inner artist through an exciting mix of visual art, poetry, movement, music, and theater.

📅 When: October 15 – November 21
🕓 Wednesdays & Fridays, 4:00–4:40 PM

One free registration gives access to the entire 6-week program, and students are welcome to drop in anytime!

👉 Reserve your spot today and join us in making art together!

Grades 3-6 InstaARTS Registration | Philadelphia Arts In Education Partnership In consideration of my son/daughter's engagement as a photo or video subject by the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership/PAEP, Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU) and the InstaARTS program, I hereby grant the right and permission to copyright, use, reuse and publish photographs o...

✨ Exciting News! ✨

We’re thrilled to announce that PAEP has been awarded a $20,000 Core Grant for General Operating Support from the Seybert Foundation! 🎉

This two-year grant will provide vital support for our mission to bring high-quality arts education to those who otherwise lack access across southeastern Pennsylvania. With this support, we can continue to expand our programs, uplift students, and empower the next generation through the arts.

A huge thank you to the Seybert Foundation for their trust and partnership! 💜

Your Story Can Inspire.

Join PAEP Program Director and two-time StorySlam Champion Anjoli Santiago for a storytelling workshop on connecting with youth and others through your lived experiences.

Anjoli is an actress, poet, and educator with deep experience teaching in diverse communities. She’ll guide you in crafting powerful, personal stories and using trauma-informed practices to build trust, connection, and growth.

Discover how your story can make a difference.

Wednesday, June 25 @ 7:00 PM

Register today! https://www.paep.net/sel/

🎉 FREE Virtual Creative Writing Workshop! ✍️📚

Calling all students in grades 3–8 and their caregivers! Join us from the comfort of home for a fun and inspiring Creative Writing Workshop led by published poet and writing coach Dawn Leas, who empowers writers to boldly face the blank page.

🗓 Saturday, May 24
🕚 11:00 AM EST
📍 Online via Zoom
🎨 FREE supplies provided!

Don’t miss this opportunity to spark your creativity and write together as a family!

👉 Register now at paep.net/art-workshop

Spots are still available for our FREE STEAM Summer Programs at Anna L. Lingelbach Elementary School and Castor Gardens Middle School! Don’t miss out on your chance to fill your child’s summer with science, music, literacy, and more—all for free. Breakfast and lunch with also be provided. 🧬📚🎶 Learn more and register: https://www.paep.net/steam-summer-program/ See less

STEAM Summer Program | Philadelphia Arts In Education Partnership The Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership’s work is in service to the field of arts in education. PAEP advances best practices through the design and implementation of arts in education programs building the capacity of teachers and artists to integrate the arts across the curriculum.