Art-Based Professional Development Program for Educators Working with Children at Risk

This study explored the significance of incorporating art into educators’ professional development and its subsequent contribution to pedagogy. The research questions were the following. How do educators perceive the integration of art into their professional growth from a personal development standpoint? How does the inclusion of art in personal and professional development affect educators’ approaches in general and, more specifically, when they are assisting at-risk children? Employing an evaluative phenomenological approach, the research used reflective tasks, art creations, video and photographic observations, and interviews as investigative tools in a sample of educators enrolled in a Lovecircles education program. Participants recognized the value of incorporating art into their professional growth, viewing this as a catalyst for personal development. They acknowledged the benefits of various teaching methodologies that weave in art, paving the way for inclusive education. This study enriches our comprehension of the role of art in personal and professional growth programs. It amplifies the discourse on the significance of art in professional development and its potential to bolster comprehensive holistic practices when addressing the needs of children requiring special education, thus promoting their emotional well-being.