Request for Proposals (RFP) Professional Development Trainer for Teaching Artists: Training the Trainer
Introduction Arts for the Aging is seeking proposals from experienced professional development trainers to design and deliver a training program for multidisciplinary teaching artists who provide participatory arts programs to older adults and caregivers. The goal of this training is to equip these teaching artists with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective trainers themselves. This initiative aims to enhance the professional growth of our teaching artists and expand their capacity to support their peers. We are applying for grant funding for this training and require detailed information to obtain funding.
Our growth in the area of teaching artist trainings is driving this need. We provide teaching artist trainings for organizations wanting to expand their reach to older adults and caregivers through creative aging programming. These trainings focus on our celebrated multi-disciplinary and multisensory approaches for virtual and in-person arts programming for older adults of all abilities: from active adults to those with physical or cognitive health conditions and their caregivers. We teach to engagement, participation, and stimulating the imagination. The training curriculum is customized to meet individual needs. https://artsfortheaging.org/ta-training/
Submission Instructions
Please email your proposal to info@aftaarts.org. No phone calls please.
Project Scope
We are looking for a professional development trainer who will:
1. Design a Training Program: Develop a curriculum tailored to our teaching artists that covers essential training techniques, including adult learning principles, facilitation skills, and methods for engaging and motivating peers.
2. Deliver the Training: Conduct one virtual training session of one to two hours. The content should include interactive components, such as role-playing, group activities, and practical exercises.
3. Evaluate: Assess the effectiveness of the training program through feedback and evaluations.
About Us Arts for the Aging engages older adults and caregivers with diverse abilities and backgrounds in health improvement and life enhancement through regular participation in the arts. Our vision in Greater D.C. and beyond is to demonstrate excellence in multidisciplinary, participatory, and inclusive arts programming. We believe in the inherent need for lifelong engagement in creative self-expression and we provide equitable access to participatory creative aging programs led by professional teaching artists. Programs are designed to inspire empathy and respect, foster communication and belonging, and promote social connection. Emerging bodies of research show that regular arts participation improves health and wellness outcomes.
Our artistic faculty of 28 professional artists—grounded in diverse art forms, trained in our best-practices, and competitively compensated—facilitate programs in visual, musical, performing, literary, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational arts experiences to support healthy aging and caregiving. Our program delivery model includes in-person, virtual, and telephonic programs and trainings. Our practices are centered in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
Qualifications
We are seeking proposals from trainers with the following qualifications:
• Proven experience in professional development and training, particularly in the arts or education sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in adult learning theory and training design.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Experience working with teaching artists, older adults and caregivers, or similar groups is highly desirable.
• A track record of successful training facilitation and evaluation.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals should include:
1. Company/Trainer Overview: A brief description of your organization or personal background, including relevant experience and qualifications.
2. Training Approach: A detailed outline of your proposed training program, including objectives, methods, and timelines.
3. Sample Curriculum: Examples of similar training materials or programs you have developed.
4. Budget: A detailed budget outlining the costs associated with the training program, including fees, materials, and any additional expenses. Budget available is $1,000.
References: Contact information for at least two references who can speak to your experience and effectiveness in similar roles.
Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Relevance and quality of experience
• Clarity and feasibility of the training program
• Cost-effectiveness
• Feedback from references
Timeline
• RFP Issued: Monday, September 9, 2024
• Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, September 30, 2024
• Selection of Trainer: By October 15, 2024
• Grant notification: December 2024
• Planning period for training: February 2025
• Training Scheduled: March or April 2025
• Completion of Training evaluation: May 2025
We look forward to receiving your proposal. We are eager to empower our teaching artists to become effective trainers to increase access to quality creative aging programs.