American Spirituals: Writing History (A Musical Prelude to the Civil War) with LaTeesha Jackson
August 12, 2025 - May 31, 2026 | Five in-person sessions (60 minutes each)
Program cost: $500 per classroom. Full scholarships and discounts available.
Grades 4-6
Teaching artist LaTeesha Jackson shares the complex history of America before the Civil War through the songs of the Underground Railroad.
In this thought-provoking residency, students explore spirituals and their importance during this time in American history. Students will create lyrics demonstrating their understanding of the events in history and the emotions of those affected.
LaTeesha M. Jackson is a Kansas City-based singer and coach. She has been featured regionally and internationally in concerts, tours, operas, and musicals.
Jackson has participated in KS/MO Kennedy Center Partners in Education Artist as Educators training and has worked as a teaching artist with StoneLion Puppet Theatre and The Lyric Opera of Kansas City. She has created educational content for numerous operas and several new programs, including “Opera: Breaking the Color Barrier” and “American Spirituals: A Prelude to the Civil War.” She has worked as a Teaching Artist for Kansas City Young Audiences for 10 years and received a teaching artist credential for learning from Young Audiences Arts.
As a teaching artist, Jackson is always looking for new, meaningful, and relevant ways to reach students, drawing inspiration from current events, trends, history, and cultures. As a teaching artist, she uses music to build empathy and enhance content connections.