On March 20, 2025, Teaching Artist Project and Arts in Education Roundtable co-hosted Panel on Professionalism, an event centered around demystifying the professional landscape of teaching artistry in New York City.
Three seasoned teaching artists and arts administrative professionals, Frank Ruiz (Education Program Manager, NY Children’s Theater), Mary Suk (Independent Teaching Artist, 15+ years experience), and Marie Klepacz (Program Manager, Arts Ignite), shared candidly around their own origin stories in the arts education field, and offered insider knowledge to job seekers and others eager to grow within the field.
Moderated by TAP’s Co-Director Dale Novella Anderson-Lee, the panel was equal parts personal and practical, with questions ranging from “why do you love what you do?” to “what kinds of hiring processes does your organization have?” Topics discussed included taking care of oneself as a creative practitioner, paying attention to organization’s policies and pay rates when seeking employment, and the importance of having authentic passion for the work.
One of the most interesting insights offered during the evening was in response to a question about panelists’ future professional goals. While many tend to think of an ideal professional trajectory as an upwardly linear progression, the panelists offered the audience invitations to think about different ways of growth, including deepening into a singular role, or growing cyclically through creative and teaching projects.
Additionally, the panel addressed the precariousness of funding for the arts under the new administration, and the importance of carrying on with the work, while staying firmly grounded in inclusive values, and committed to working towards a just future.
