Lab Cohort VI recommendation
for organizations and supervisors
OVERVIEW FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Thank you for supporting a Teaching Artist’s application to the TATI’s Lab Cohort VI.
The Lab Cohort is designed to support Teaching Artists within the context of their home program, with supervisor engagement playing a key role in reinforcing learning, observation, and growth.
The Cohort application is a two-step process, including:
- An application from the Teaching Artist;
- A recommendation from the Teaching Artist’ supervisor.
These may be completed in any order, but both must be submitted for an application to be considered.
👉 After submitting a recommendation, the Teaching Artist will automatically receive a link to complete their application.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Before submitting a recommendation, please confirm that:
The Organization:
- Is a community music or El Sistema-inspired nonprofit program;
- Primarily serves PreK–12 students;
- Is able to support the Teaching Artist’s participation in the program (see responsibilities below).
The Supervisor:
- Is the Teaching Artist’s current, direct supervisor;
- Has regular visibility into their teaching practice;
- Is willing to complete all required program responsibilities.
The Teaching Artist:
- Is 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent;
- Is currently teaching in a community music or El Sistema-inspired program;
- Primarily teaches group music classes (4+ students);
- Teaches multiple times per week, totaling at least 3 hours of group instruction;
- Has at least one full school year of group teaching experience;
- Resides in the United States, Canada, or U.S. Territories;
- Has reliable internet access;
- Is able to commit to the full program (October–June).
CRITERIA & RESPONSIBILITIES
Recommendation Criteria
Supervisors should feel confident that the Teaching Artist demonstrates alignment with TATI’s Core Values, including:
- A passion for music as a tool for social change;
- A commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Curiosity, reflection, and eagerness to grow;
- Ability to collaborate and learn alongside peers.
Supervisor Responsibilities
If your Teaching Artist is accepted, you agree to:
- Conduct 3 teaching observations during the program year;
- Participate in a debrief conversation with your TA after each observation;
- Support the Teaching Artist’s participation in monthly TATI sessions;
- Engage in quarterly virtual meetings with TATI;
- Complete pre and post surveys on behalf of each accepted Teaching Artist.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- There is no limit to how many Teaching Artists an organization may support in applying
- TATI encourages organizations to support at least 2 applicants, where possible
- A maximum of 4 Teaching Artists per organization will be accepted each year
- This is a shared application process. Teaching Artists and Supervisors are expected to communicate in advance about:
- Time commitment
- Expectations
- Program participation
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Supervisors should only submit a recommendation if they:
- Are aware of the Teaching Artist’s application (or intent to apply);
- Are prepared to support their participation if accepted
TIMELINE
Applications for Lab Cohort VI will be available in two rounds: a priority round for early consideration, and then on a rolling basis as space is available. As a reminder, supervisors may nominate as many Teaching Artists as they wish.
ROUND
Spring Priority
Fall
APPLICATION DEADLINE
June 1, 2026
September 8, 2026
DECISION DATE
June 12, 2026
September 18, 2026