Susan M. Riley

Susan Riley works as an Arts Integration Specialist in Maryland and has also taught K-5 general/vocal music. She focuses on teacher professional development in arts integration, Common Core State Standards, 21st century learning skills, and technology. In addition, she puts these skills to practice within the classroom and schools to enhance her own professional learning. She believes passionately in the power of teacher growth and the development of excellent leaders and this is the focus for her motivational speaking topics.

Susan obtained a Bachelor of Music degree from the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ with a focus in music education. Additionally, she garnered a Master of Science degree in Education Administration and Supervision from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Susan presents at various conferences and leadership trainings throughout the year. Her most popular presentations are for how to implement arts integration successfully within schools. These sessions have continuously been standing room only and participants leave with excitement and motivation to try the power of arts integration within their schools and districts. Susan’s motivational speaking engagements are also well received and provide teachers and administrators with a mix of inspiration and concrete ideas to take home and put into practice.

Susan writes about her teaching and leadership thoughts and ideas on her website http://educationcloset.com weekly. Additionally, Susan also has written articles for several online magazines, and guest authored posts on various professional blogs. She has published two books: "Shake the Sketch: An Arts Integration Workbook" that outlines how to start and run a successful Arts Integration program in any school or classroom, and "A Vocal Advocate: An Arts Advocacy Workbook" which provides arts educators with the tools they need to survive and thrive in 21st century education.

Susan lives in Westminster, Maryland with her husband Kevin and their daughter Emma Kate.