How to Apply

Unlock Creativity! Join the BTS Arts Program!

Imagine a school where art isn't just a separate class, but a fun way to learn everything! The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program (BTS Arts) helps make this happen by bringing amazing arts teachers right into your elementary school. This means more creativity, more fun, and better learning for all your students!

teacher pointing to whiteboard

Why Join BTS Arts?
It's Fantastic For Your School!

  • More Engaged Students: Kids learn better when they're having fun! Arts integration makes lessons exciting and helps students truly understand what they're learning.
  • Expert Arts Teachers: We provide skilled arts teachers (for dance, drama, music, or visual art) who work with your students and team up with your regular classroom teachers.
  • Teacher Growth: Your teachers will get special training to learn new, creative ways to teach all subjects.
  • Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Arts teachers and classroom teachers plan lessons together, making learning extra special.
  • Supportive Community: You'll be part of a group of schools that believes strongly in arts education, with help from the Utah State Board of Education.

Ready to Get Started?

Here's How Your School Can Join!

Becoming a BTS Arts school is easy! Just follow these steps:

1Step 1: Let Us Know You're Interested!
Email Karen.Tolley@schools.utah.gov, an application will be sent when they are opened.

  • New Schools: If your school isn't in the program yet, your LEA (Local Educational Agency) will fill out a short online application. Then, your school will fill out its own simple online application.
  • Schools Already In (Renewal): If your district is already a part of BTS Arts, you'll just fill out a quick online form each year by January 31st to say you want to continue. Every three years, there's a slightly longer renewal form.
2Step 2: How Funding Works (Teacher Time)
  • Getting an Arts Teacher: The amount of arts teacher time your school gets (called FTE) depends on how many students you have. More students usually means more arts teacher time!
  • Student Numbers Guide (Just an Idea):
    • Small Schools (100-300 students): You might share an arts teacher with another school.
    • Medium Schools (301-750 students): You'll get more dedicated arts teacher time, maybe still sharing a little.
    • Larger Schools (751+ students): You could get a full-time arts teacher, or even more for very large schools!
    • Very Small Schools (under 100 students): We'll work with you to find the best arts program, like bringing in guest artists.
  • Special Cases: If your school has unique needs due to its location or student population, please notify the BTS Arts team at the Utah State Board of Education when you apply.
  • Money Talk: The state helps pay for the arts teacher's salary. Your school district might use other funds (like School Land Trust money) to cover the rest. If using federal money, just be sure to mention that arts integration is a key part of your school's improvement plan.
3Step 3: Arts Teacher Arrives! (Let the Fun Begin!)
  • Once approved, a wonderful, qualified arts teacher will join your school!
  • This arts teacher will team up with your regular classroom teachers to plan creative lessons that mix art with other subjects like math, science, and reading.
4Step 4: Keeping the Program Great! (Simple Check-Ins)
  • Easy Reports: We'll ask your arts teacher and principal to fill out a short online form called assurances, each year (around February/April) to show how the program is going. This helps us make the program even better!
  • Salary Info: Your school district will share some basic salary information for the arts teachers each year (around September).
  • Focus on BTS Arts: The special BTS Arts funding is just for this program – it can't be used for other arts activities or for teaching assistants outside of BTS Arts.
5Step 5: How Schools Are Chosen (Priority)
  • Schools already in the program usually get first dibs on funding.
  • New schools that show a strong commitment to the BTS Arts program's goals are also given high priority.

We can't wait for your school to experience the magic of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program!

If you have any questions or are ready to apply, just head to the Utah State Board of Education website.