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Improve Handwriting in a Tech-Driven World While Boosting Engagement and Creativity
Monday, March 23, 2026 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
Presented by Raegan Marriott, Fourth-Grade Student, John McCandless STEM Charter School (CA); and Courtney Berolzheimer, Program Director, Blackwing Foundation
Sponsored by Blackwing Foundation
Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast
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In an increasingly digital world, students are spending more time on devices and less time engaging in the tactile act of handwriting. This shift impacts more than just legibility; it affects fine motor development, cognitive focus, and the personal pride students take in their work. When we move away from the keyboard and back to the page, we unlock a unique avenue for creative expression and mindfulness.
This edWebinar explores how to bridge this gap using Pathways to Creativity: The Lettering Series, a free program with ready-to-use resources designed to make implementation simple for educators. We discuss why tactile skills like functional cursive and hand lettering are vital for building student confidence and visual literacy. You hear a firsthand testimonial from an elementary student who has completed the program and will share how lettering helped her build confidence and discover a new outlet for creative expression.
We walk through a comprehensive, “grab-and-go” curriculum developed with professional artist Heather Martinez. Viewers learn how to integrate the program into their existing schedules to provide students with a lifelong creative skill. By the end of this session, you have a clear roadmap to help your students slow down, connect pencil to paper, and rediscover the joy of creating something by hand.
This recorded edWebinar is of interest to elementary through high school teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.
About the Presenters
Raegan Marriott is a fourth-grade student at John McCandless STEM Charter School in Stockton, CA. She is a motivated and curious student who enjoys challenging herself academically, especially in reading and math, where she takes pride in doing her best and growing her skills. She is also very active and athletic, playing All-Star soccer and swimming recreationally during the summer. Outside of school and sports, Raegan loves creative activities like making bracelets, crafting, and playing games with her friends. She has a fun and adventurous side when it comes to food, too—her favorites include sushi and cucumbers with lime and salt. Raegan is excited to participate in the Blackwing Foundation’s lettering series and looks forward to expressing her creativity while learning new skills.
Courtney Berolzheimer is a Program Director for Blackwing Foundation. With a master’s in STEM, she brings a decade of classroom experience to her role. Courtney taught a variety of grade levels and subjects with a strong emphasis on math. She always looked for creative ways to bring art into her math lessons, which opened the door for student creative thinking. She also spent multiple years teaching at an arts magnet school, where she saw firsthand how the arts influence and inspire children across subjects. That experience deepened her belief in the transformative power of creativity and the importance of integrating the arts into every classroom. Courtney is passionate about students having regular access to art during the school day, as not every school has an art teacher and not every student can attend after-school programs. Her ultimate goal is to empower teachers to provide students with quality art lessons.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Join the Creative Arts in Education community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edLeader Panels, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
The Blackwing Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing arts and music education. Inspired by the creative legacy of the Blackwing pencil, we work to ensure that all students have access to the enriching power of art. We achieve this mission through two primary approaches. First, we are a grant-making organization, providing funding to qualified organizations. Second, we design and deliver our own curriculum: Pathways to Creativity. This innovative program is a collaboration between expert artists and educators, offering free, “grab-and-go” lessons. By both supporting other initiatives and designing our own free programming, we are committed to making a tangible, lasting impact on arts education.
