Lauren Stichter (she/her) is an artist, educator, professional development coordinator, and advocate for equitable and accessible art education. With over 25 years of experience, including work at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, she now serves as director and associate professor of Art Education at Moore College of Art & Design. In 2024 and 2025, Lauren was recognized with multiple awards for her impact on the field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Director & Associate Professor of Art Education, Moore College of Art & Design, Philadelphia (2015-Present)

  • Lead PreK-12 Art Teacher, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Philadelphia (2001-2015)

  • Ceramic Artist, HyMy Pottery, Philadelphia (1995-Present)

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Trauma-Informed Arts Education Administrator, Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation (2024-Present)

  • Pennsylvania Art Education PreK-12 (2005-Present)

  • American Sign Language (1998-Present)

  • A black hand carved round lantern on a white table.

    Art Work

    With over 25 years of experience as a potter, Lauren is renowned for her intricately hand-carved vessels. Her work has been featured in galleries, boutiques, and artisan events throughout the Philadelphia region.

    Recent highlights include a commissioned piece for the 1906 Restaurant at Longwood Gardens (2024), custom place settings for Philadelphia’s supper club Club Table One, and participation in the Moore College of Art & Design Faculty Triennial Exhibitions (2020, 2023).

  • Lauren is wearing a black dress and orange necklace with her hair pulled back. She is standing in front of a large vase with sticks.

    Leadership

    Since 2015, Lauren has held significant roles in regional and national art education and special education organizations. She is currently the President of the NAEA Art in Special Education Interest Group, a Member and Site Coordinator of the Philadelphia Art Teacher Alliance, and the Administration and Supervision Chair of the PAEA Board. Previously, she was a Board Member for the CEC Division of the Arts, Chair of the PAEA Art in Special Education, and served on advisory boards for the Philadelphia Museum of Art Autism Initiative and the Brandywine Museum Sensory-Friendly Programming.

  • Lauren is pictured with a group of Disabled Artists & Graduate Students.

    Teaching Experience

    With over two decades of teaching experience, Lauren is a distinguished Art Educator dedicated to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility. She has developed curriculum for PreK-12th grade at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and worked extensively in community arts settings. Currently, as Director of Art Education and Associate Professor at Moore College of Art and Design, she leads initiatives that merge art and special education, advancing global conversations on diversity and inclusion.

  • Lauren has her back to the camera and is doing consulting work with a small group of educators.

    Consultation Work

    Lauren is an accomplished Art Educator and consultant specializing in inclusive arts education across museums, community arts, higher education, and PreK-12 settings. Over the course of her career, she has partnered with institutions to develop customized curricula, instructional methods, and support structures for diverse learners. Her impactful collaborations include work with the National Gallery, Kennedy Center VSA Program, Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Delaware Art Museum, Springfield School District, and Philadelphia School District.

  • Lauren standing at a podium speaking to a crowd.

    Speaking Engagements

    Lauren has spoken at over 70 national and international events, in-person and virtually, including prestigious universities, renowned cultural institutions, and leading conferences in art and education. She has shared her expertise with audiences from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the advancement of inclusive arts education globally. A complete list of engagements is available in her curriculum vitae.

  • Stock photo from SquareSpace of hands typing on a laptop.

    Published Work

    Stichter, L. (2020-2024). Regular contributor to the National Art Education Association, Art in Special Education interest group news column.

    Kalio-Tavin, M., & Stichter, L.. (2020). Organizing the 2nd International Disability Studies, Arts and Education Conference and Looking to the Future. Research in Arts Education.

    Stichter, L. & Newman-Godfrey, A. (2017). Creative Arts Education for Students with ASD. Curricula for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum.

  • Lauren (right) standing with Adding Voices Conference founder Flavia Zuniga-West (center) and President of Moore College of Art & Design Cathy Young (left) at the 2022 Adding Voices Conference.

    Events Facilitator & Administrator

    Lauren has organized over 15 impactful public events over nearly a decade, drawing thousands of art educators from around the world. Notable events include several annual professional development symposiums on DEIAJ work in Art Education at Moore College, as well as hosting significant conferences such as the PA Art Education Association conferences (2016, 2021) the 2nd International Conference on Disability Studies (2019, Arts & Education, as well as the Adding Voices Conferences (2022, 2024).

  • Clear Start Award

    Awards

    The 2025 NAEA Eastern Region Art Educator of the Year Award

    The 2024 PAEA Outstanding Art Educator of the Year Award

    The 2024 PAEA Art in Special Education Award

    The 2024 Council for Exceptional Children, Division of the Arts, Art Educator of the Year Award