Originally launched in 2012 under the name “CreatorsMakersTeachers Network,” the Teaching Artist Initiative is a peer group that focuses solely on the needs of teaching artists and arts educators at all stages of their careers. Led with support from fellow teaching artist Maritza Mosquera, the Initiative meets quarterly for topic-specific salons, connecting fellow teaching artists and providing access to professional development. The initiative also hosts a biennial Teaching Artist Symposium in partnership with the Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media.