Local teachers Shel Wagner and Kurt Kaya were among nearly 300 Oklahoma educators who earned professional development hours and joined with other adults in improving their crafts during the Oklahoma Fall Arts Institute, a series of intensive weekend workshops taught by nationally renowned artists in the literary, visual and performing arts.

The workshops were held Oct. 6-9, Oct. 13-16 and Oct. 20-23 at Quartz Mountain State Park & Lodge in southwestern Oklahoma. Attendees included teachers from more than 170 schools who each earned 18 hours in continuing education credits.

Conducted by the Oklahoma Arts Institute, OFAI allows teachers and artists to sharpen their skills – or learn new ones altogether – in an immersive environment with innovators in their fields.

The program supplements the organization’s flagship Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute for high school students, held each summer since 1977.

Oklahoma public school educators attend OFAI on full scholarship, with tuition discounts for those who teach at private schools. Unlike other workshops, all meals and lodging are included in tuition.

Removing or reducing the financial burden allows participants to focus on growing in their artform and to develop strategies for integrating workshop techniques into the classroom.