Together Teaching Artists are building a world in which creativity is treasured. Teaching Artists are the catalysts for new collaborations between individuals, educational systems, and institutions that otherwise could never dream why they should work together. Though the work of Teaching Artists is firmly rooted in the educational system, Teaching Artists always look toward new ways to inspire students and teachers that will lead toward innovations beyond our collective imaginations.

Teaching Artists are, for the most part, self-employed, independent contractors who do not have the health and retirement benefits that come with full time employment. This is the reason for ATA’s vigilant support of  and advocacy for Teaching Artists through networking, research, professional development, and public advocacy.  

The Association of Teaching Artists (ATA) celebrates its tenth anniversary this year! For ten years ATA has supported Teaching Artists in all of their roles. ATA was founded to reach out to Teaching Artists in New York State, and now, through its web site, listserv, and Teaching Artist Fee Survey ATA reaches Teaching Artists from New York to California and Hawaii through an online community of peers who look to each other for resources, inspiration, and solutions to the challenges of this work.