A dual mission since 2002: accessible teacher training for all Columbia MFA students and community enrichment through the arts.
Founded in May 2002, Columbia Artist/Teachers (CA/T) is a faculty of Writing Program MFA candidates. CA/T provides MFA teachers with professional development and teaching opportunities on and off campus, with students of all ages and levels. We collaborate with local schools and community organizations to offer no-cost arts education programs designed specifically to the needs and goals of the partner program and its students. These writing workshops present foster artistic development, community, and creative expression, and often include writing, discussion, reading, generative exercises, mini-lessons, sharing, and critical thinking. Our instructors are trained, dedicated, and passionate about teaching writing and the arts and community service. CA/T is advised by Professors Alan Ziegler (Writing Program Director of Pedagogy), Keri Bertino, and Dorothea Lasky. The organization is run by student directors and coordinators.