An image of the gardens outside of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Admissions & Financial Aid

Teacher Toolbox Workshop

Teacher Toolbox Workshop and Luncheon

In lieu of our annual educator professional development day, Teacher Toolbox Workshop, we will be shifting our attention this year to the National Art Education Association conference being held here in Chicago in March 2026. Details for next year’s Teacher Toolbox event will be updated here in summer 2026.

Our Admissions team will be traveling throughout the world this fall, and if you are interested in having a counselor visit your high school art classroom to share information about portfolio preparation and undergraduate opportunities at SAIC, we welcome you to email Lauren Casser at lcasser@saic.edu.

And don’t forget - You are always welcome to visit us on campus for a campus tour and to receive complimentary tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago. For more information about visiting us on campus, please email Clemenstien Love at clove@saic.edu.

On-Demand Content

Content you can view and use anytime!

Interested in taking a live virtual tour with one of our Student Ambassadors? Find a time and date that works for you:

Past Event Resources and Recordings

  • "Portfolio Prep 101" Presentation by Lauren Hogan Casser

    "Game Day" by Maire Witt O'Neill

    Beeswax workshop photos

  • 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (CT) 
    Adapting Arts Education for Chicago Public Schools
    Melisa Rutkelis, Manager of Student Programs, Department of Arts Education, Chicago Public Schools
    Watch the recording

    Melisa Rutkelis is the Manager of Student Programs for The Department of Arts Education in Chicago Public Schools. There, she manages the Advanced Arts Program, All-City Visual and Performing Arts Program, and District-Wide Music Festivals. She taught for 8 years and spent 5 of those years teaching: general music, modern band, mariachi, concert band, and choir at Twain Elementary in CPS. During that time she secured over $55,000 in grants, was teacher of the year, and led the All-City Elementary and High School Bands. Melisa has presented at The Illinois Music Educator Conference, VanderCook College of Music, NAfME, Modern Rock Band Fest, and for the New York Public Schools. Her most advanced degree is a Masters in Music Education, from VanderCook College of Music. She is an oboist, and loves attending concerts across the city.

    Nora Guerrero, Student Program Coordinator
    Nora Guerrero provides administrative and logistical support for DAE student programs, including All-City Performing Arts, All-City Visual Arts Exhibitions, and Music and Theatre Festivals.

    Gaby Lopez, Advanced Arts Student Program Coordinator
    Gaby Lopez coordinates and executes a range of daily operations for the Advanced Arts Program at Gallery 37. in addition to leading outreach/student recruitment district-wide, purchasing/budget management and student scheduling.
     

    12:00–1:00 p.m. (CT) 
    The Power of Asynchronous Learning
    Chris Sykora, Deerfield High School + Co-Founder of the Illinois High School Art Exhibition
    Watch the recording

    Chris Sykora holds degrees in the liberal and fine arts, including a Masters in Education Leadership. He currently teaches visual art at Deerfield High School. He co-founded the Illinois High School Art Exhibition and serves as its Assistant Director & Secretary. Chris previously served as the IAEA's Advocacy Taskforce Chair. This role included facilitating discussions with key policy officials in Illinois and across the country. His work has been vital in improving arts access in public schools. As a teacher, Chris practices reflective social constructivist teaching, while facilitating future-focused project-based learning opportunities. His classroom practices focus on nurturing social-emotional growth and on bridging intersections across disciplines. Chris is an avid reader and constant learner. He's always increasing his knowledge about education and creativity. He shares his findings and insights on his podcast, ​Hey Teachers!.

    1:00–2:00 p.m. (CT)
    Introduction to Resources
    Alexis Bailey and Sabrina Phillips, Art Institute of Chicago
    Watch the recording

    Alexis Bailey is an educator in the Department of Learning and Public Engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago. Alexis develops classroom resources and professional development opportunities for educators across the Chicagoland area. She previously worked as a Museum Education Intern where she facilitated docent tours, interactive gallery talks, and art making activities. She holds a BFA in Communications and a minor in Traditional Media Art from Texas A&M University. In addition to her enthusiasm and passion for the arts, Alexis has spent her time working in local art galleries throughout the greater Texas and Atlanta area.

    Sabrina Mooroogen Phillips, MA is a Senior Educator at the Art Institute of Chicago where she designs resources and virtual and in-person experiences. As a former elementary teacher, she worked with fifth and sixth graders at schools in England, Thailand, Egypt, and Qatar, exploring the bilingual learner's experience in multiple contexts. Sabrina's art-historical expertise centers on late colonial South Asian art, specifically the works of women. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education and Social Justice at Lancaster University UK, with a focus on critical race theory and whiteness in educator programming and professional development.

    Breakout conversations following each presentation are facilitated by SAIC Staff and Faculty.