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Join us for an insightful program exploring strategies, perspectives, and best practices that support inclusive learning environments and accessible education for all. This event brings together educators, advocates, and community members dedicated to creating equitable academic spaces where every student has the opportunity to succeed. All are welcome to attend and engage in this important conversation.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Rhoda Bernard, a nationally recognized leader in inclusive arts education, as our guest presenter.

Dr. Bernard is the Managing Director of the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs at Berklee College of Music. She joined the Berklee Conservatory in 2004 and now oversees the Master of Music in music education (autism concentration) and the Graduate Certificate in music education and autism programs. Dr. Bernard believes that all people must have access to high-quality arts education and the opportunity to engage meaningfully in arts experiences.

She is the Founding Managing Director of the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs, which serves as a catalyst for the inclusion of individuals with special needs in all aspects of visual and performing arts education. The Institute’s work is grounded in three main pillars:

• Arts Education Programs for people with special needs, ages 3 to adult;

• One-of-a-kind Graduate Programs in Music Education and Autism; and

• Professional Development Offerings for educators and professionals in the field.

Guided by the motto “Arts Better the Lives of Everyone,” the Institute strives to provide arts participation and arts education opportunities for all people.

Before founding the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs in 2017, Dr. Bernard served as Chair of the Music Education Department and Director of Autism Spectrum Programs at Boston Conservatory, where she developed and led graduate programs to train public school music educators. Prior to that, she taught Music Theory and Music Education courses at the New England Conservatory of Music and co-founded the Conservatory Lab Charter School—a public charter school in Boston where students receive daily music instruction alongside core academic subjects.

Dr. Bernard holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Harvard University, a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Voice Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, a Master’s degree in Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning from the same institution.

In addition to her academic and professional work, Dr. Bernard is an active performer of jazz and Jewish music in Yiddish and Hebrew, appearing in synagogues, private parties, folk festivals, and clubs throughout the U.S. She enjoys attending live performances of music, theater, dance, and opera, and spends her free time playing piano and practicing the accordion.

Please be aware that details are subject to change. Check back for up-to-date info, or !����

This event is free and open to the public.