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Lab Cohort VI recommendation

for organizations and supervisors

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Apply by Friday, September 11th at 11:59pm ET.

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

 

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 5, 2026

September 11, 2026

DECISION DATE

June 12, 2026

September 18, 2026