MANSFIELD, OHIO – The Mansfield Partners in Education Team, comprised of the Renaissance Performing Arts Association, Mansfield Art Center, and Mansfield City Schools, will host a professional development workshop on arts integration for educators and administrators. Differentiating Literacy Learning Through Storytelling will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre.
This workshop is ideal for primary, intermediate, and middle grades educators, especially those teaching students in grades K–8. Led by award-winning teaching artist Sherry Norfolk, the Storyteller’s Toolbox workshop equips PreK–5 educators with storytelling techniques to engage diverse learners. Participants will explore a simple story pattern and scaffolded experiences designed to support students in achieving learning goals in self-contained and inclusive classrooms.
Educators will learn how to use vocal variation, emotion, and sound effects to bring stories to life, making lessons more engaging and accessible. Storytelling fosters creativity, comprehension, and communication skills in young learners, offering a flexible strategy that can be applied across the curriculum.
This workshop is part of the Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program, presented in collaboration with the Mansfield Art Center and Mansfield City Schools. Attendees will gain practical strategies to enhance classroom engagement while earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
About Sherry Norfolk
Sherry Norfolk is an internationally recognized storyteller, author, and teaching artist who has led residencies and workshops across the United States and Southeast Asia. A Kennedy Center National Teaching Artist, Wolf Trap Teaching Artist, and Young Audiences Teaching Artist, Sherry is also a co-author of five books on standards-based storytelling strategies and a former Adjunct Professor at Lesley University. She has performed at numerous international storytelling festivals, including the Manitoba International Storytelling Festival, Singapore International Storytelling Festival, and the International Art of Storytelling Festival in Miami.
Registration and Information
Area educators can register for the workshop at www.rentickets.org or by calling/visiting the Renaissance Box Office at 419-522-2726, 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio. For CEU inquiries or other questions, contact Renaissance Education Manager Dauphne Maloney at dauphne@mansfieldtickets.com.
Sponsors
Cleveland Financial Group—Charles P. Hahn, CFP
With support from Ohio Arts Council