Iowa fine arts and social studies teachers have a new professional development program to further engage students. The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has launched a new Iowa Arts Council program called “Folk Arts in the Classroom,” a two-day, immersive training that encourages teachers to incorporate folk arts into K-12 arts and social studies learning. Developed by the Iowa Arts Council, the program connects Iowa K-12 teachers, folk artists and cultural heritage organizations through continuing education and training. Every year, 10 pairs of teachers – one social studies teacher and one fine arts teacher – from 10 different Iowa schools will work together to learn about folk and traditional arts and to create integrated lesson plans that incorporate the practices in the classroom. For the inaugural year, the program will take place on June 10 at the National Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids and June 11 at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah. More information is available at iowaculture.gov or by contacting Jennie Knoebel at 515-242-6194 or jennie.knoebel@iowa.gov.