Northeastern Illinois University Hosts Annual Lecture on Arts Integration
On November 13, 2025, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) will present its highly anticipated Jean Burke Carlson and Diane Berger Ehrlich Memorial Lecture, titled
"What Learning Matters? Generative Tensions and Transformative Inquiry through Arts Integration." This annual event, scheduled to take place at the NEIU Auditorium at 6:00 PM, brings together educators, artists, and students to explore the critical role of arts integration in enhancing educational experiences.
The Importance of the Event
This year's lecture is presented by the
Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, and features a lineup of expert speakers from the
Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE). The event aims to shed light on how collaboration between professional artists and classroom educators fosters innovative teaching methods that bridge academic content with real-world applications.
Dr. Tom Philion, Dean of the Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education, notes, “Arts integration represents one of the most powerful approaches to transformative education we're seeing in Chicago today. When professional artists collaborate with classroom teachers through models like CAPE's, they fundamentally reimagine what's possible in the classroom by breaking down traditional boundaries and connecting academic content to students' real-world experiences.”
Event Details
The lecture is open to the public, as well as NEIU students and staff, at no cost. Attendees can look forward to a
pre-lecture reception beginning at 5:00 PM in
Student Union 103 Golden Eagles, where food and beverages will be available. Following the lecture, there will be a
question-and-answer session, allowing the audience to engage directly with the presenters.
Who Will Be Present?
The presenters for the session include:
- - Mark Diaz, CAPE Associate Director
- - Dr. Teju Adesida, CAPE Associate Director
- - Dr. Louanne Smolin, Classroom Practitioner
- - Dr. Erin Preston, Classroom Practitioner
- - Luz Santellano, 5th Grade Science Teacher
- - Niema Qureshi, Teaching Artist
These speakers will share insights from their research-based work and best practices on how strategic partnerships between teachers and artists can significantly enhance student learning and nudge them toward inquiry-based learning.
Why Arts Integration?
Arts integration is not merely an educational approach; it is a radical rethinking of how students experience learning. By engaging with artistic processes, students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and make connections across various disciplines. Whether it be through music, visual arts, or dramatic arts, incorporating these elements into the curriculum can lead to significant improvements in students’ creativity and overall academic performance.
Conclusion
The Jean Burke Carlson and Diane Berger Ehrlich Memorial Lecture is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the future of education and the role of arts in learning. As NEIU continues to innovate in its teaching methods and approaches to education, this lecture promises to be a beacon of inspiration for educators and students alike. For event-related inquiries, including accessibility needs, attendees can contact
Cindy Jones at [insert email here].
Don't Miss Out!
Join us at Northeastern Illinois University as we explore these pressing themes in education and the profound impact that arts integration can have on learning outcomes.
Event Details:
- - Date: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
- - Time: 5:00 PM - Pre-Lecture Reception
6:00 PM - Lecture and Q&A
- - Location: NEIU Auditorium (E-106), 5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60625
- - Parking: Complimentary on Levels 4 and 5 of the Main Campus Parking Facility.