GLENDALE, Ariz. – Peoria Unified School District welcomed arts educators from Tolleson Union High School District on Wednesday, Jan. 28, for a collaborative professional development event centered on the expansion of Unified Arts throughout the valley.
The visit took place at Raymond S. Kellis High School, where Peoria Unified teachers opened their classrooms and instructional practices to Tolleson’s team as part of a continued effort to strengthen Unified programs across the West Valley.
“Opening our doors to support a neighboring district isn’t just good practice – it’s the heart of public education,” said Dr. Teresa Hernandez, Peoria Unified’s Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services. “For over 15 years, Peoria Unified has been home to exceptional Unified programing that sets a high standard for other Arizona schools. Unified Arts programs change lives, and the more we collaborate, the more students across Arizona benefit.”
Tolleson educators observed two model Unified Arts classrooms including a band class taught by Mr. Nathan Garrison, and a dance class taught by Mr. Patrick Burns. Both classes showcased structured, high engagement learning environments where students with and without intellectual disabilities work alongside one another. Visitors saw firsthand how these programs build community, elevate student voice, and foster meaningful peer connections.
Following the classroom visits, the group joined Peoria Unified’s districtwide professional development session, where Unified Choir teacher Mrs. Rebecca Goodnight-Bell led a collaborative training for all Peoria Unified educators who teach Unified courses. Tolleson’s educators were integrated into this session, engaging in shared dialogue, strategy building and idea exchange.
The afternoon focused on instructional design, integration of peer partners and strengthening the systems that make Unified classrooms so successful.
Peoria Unified leaders emphasized that the event reflects a larger commitment to partnership and shared learning between public school districts.
“As our Unified programs continue to expand into the performing and visual arts, this visit offered an exciting and valuable opportunity for our teachers to observe strong, established programs in a neighboring district,” shared Amy Casteel, Tolleson Union High School District Coordinator for Exceptional Student Services. She continued, “Our Tolleson Union staff left inspired, gaining fresh ideas to support continued growth while also reaffirming the excellent practices already in place. This experience opens the door to meaningful collaboration, and will greatly enhance access and enriching opportunities for our students.”
Peoria Unified is proud to support Tolleson Union High School District as they continue expanding Unified Arts offerings and bringing inclusive arts experiences to more students.
The Peoria Unified School District has 43 neighborhood schools, including one virtual school designed to meet the needs of all preK-12th grade students. For the past 135 years, Peoria Unified has been an Arizona public school district of choice, where students can receive a high-quality education rooted in the values that their families share. Students experience the best in academics, athletics and arts education where education is personalized to meet the needs of each child. Peoria Unified invests in programs which prepare every student for a successful future, including free full-day kindergarten, special education, gifted education and career and technical education. To continue its long history of success, the district maintains its focus on five key components of its strategic framework: Student Success, Learning and Teaching, Safety and Wellness, Stewardship of Resources and Parent and Community Engagement. The Peoria Unified School District continuously pursues its vision of “Every student, every day, prepared to shape tomorrow.”