PERMA, a well-being construct from Positive Psychology, is readily applicable to Arts Education. Arts programs benefit by prioritizing connection over content. More than ever, our students must understand that they are more than test scores and AI-conduits, and their value comes from beyond what college they aspire to get into, or what their potential income will be derived from. Humanity must prevail. Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment enhance programs through shared experiences and being part of something greater than themselves. Arts educators are uniquely positioned to celebrate creativity, individuality, and life-long well-being, regardless of student career track.
We will explore the many physical, social, and emotional benefits of partner dancing and how it can be applicable both in the classroom and for performances.
Jason Smith - Physical Education teacher for 11 years, including the last 8 at Hazel Park Jr. High School. Bachelors in Kinesiology from Wayne State University. Owner of In Movement Ballroom Dance Studio, Dance instructor with 8 years of ballroom experience. Competing professionally... Read More →
Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST Room
An overview and demos of how the Arab American National Museum shares Arab culture and art with students via crafts, dances, and partnerships with local artists.
Diana Yassin is an educator at the Arab American National Museum. She has a degree in Secondary English Education and was a teacher at Ypsilanti Community High School for two years where she taught 9th grade ELA, Multicultural History, and Social Justice. For the last two years, she... Read More →
Sara Alqaragholy is an educator at the Arab American National Museum. She has a degree in Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Michigan - Dearborn. For the last three years, she has run youth programs at the Arab American National Museum where she works with students... Read More →
Dave Serio is the Curator of Education at the Arab American National Museum. He holds a bachelors and masters degree in Near East Studies from Wayne State University. He has worked within the Education department for the last 15 years to lead tours, crafts, and presentation on Arabic... Read More →
Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST Room
