On Saturday, September 20th, the 2025/26 cohort of Early Career Arts Teacher (ECAT) Fellows gathered at Baltimore Design School for a joyful kickoff breakfast. What began with full plates and a few first-day jitters quickly transformed into a space buzzing with laughter, thoughtful conversation, and connection.
The ECAT Fellowship is designed to support 1st–3rd year arts teachers who are navigating the unique challenges of starting their careers- everything from lesson planning to classroom management. That’s why each fellow is paired with a veteran mentor and given opportunities throughout the year to build skills, share strategies, and grow in confidence as both educators and artists.
At the kickoff, Kristina Berdan, longtime arts educator and Deputy Chief of Education at Arts for Learning, led fellows through a series of reflective and interactive activities. Teachers practiced active listening, exchanged insights in group discussions, and even created vibrant mandalas!
By the close of the morning, teachers shared that they were leaving with a sense of hope, fresh ideas, and a new community of peers and mentors to lean on throughout the school year.
