CoTA is Excited to Announce our New Executive Director, Stephen McCormick

Stephen McCormick is taking the helm as the new Executive Director of CoTA (Collaborations: Teachers and Artists). For the past twelve years McCormick has served as Director of Education and Outreach for La Jolla Playhouse.

CoTA (Collaborations: Teachers and Artists) is a non-profit professional development organization that has been building the capacity of local schools to integrate the arts into the core academic curriculum for nearly 20 years. Since 2008, CoTA has collaborated with over 1,800 elementary school teachers, and has enriched and inspired more than 40,000 children from 41 schools in six districts in San Diego County.

Dedicated to transforming teaching and learning through project-based learning through the arts, CoTA connects artists with teachers to foster creativity, critical thinking, and communication - essential skills students need to thrive in school and life.

“After careful deliberation we are thrilled to announce that Stephen McCormick will lead CoTA as our new Executive Director,” Sally Yard, CoTA’s Founding Director, stated on behalf of the Board, “Steve has followed our work with great admiration from his post as Director of Education and Outreach for La Jolla Playhouse for the past twelve years and he brings more than 25 years of experience in the arts and education as well as a deep commitment to and extensive experience with arts integration.”

McCormick replaces Dennis Doyle, PhD, who guided CoTA over the last eight years as Executive Director until his recent retirement. Doyle will continue to support CoTA as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

"I have always respected CoTA as an organization that is at the forefront of demonstrating the power the arts can have when integrated with current education practices.” McCormick stated, “I have also been a longtime fan of Dr. Dennis Doyle whose creative vision and contagious enthusiasm has built CoTA into the remarkable organization that exists today.”

During his twelve years at La Jolla Playhouse, McCormick developed purposeful programs conceived to foster arts integration through professional development. He worked with the Kennedy Center's Partners in Education program; propelled InterACTion, working toward restorative justice with youth; and developed Empowerment Theatre for young women. His Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tours, summer training workshops, academies & Conservatory are well-known across the region. McCormick is perhaps best known to audiences for his pre and post performance interactive programs at La Jolla Playhouse.

“With a passionate staff of highly-skilled artists and educators, and a remarkable Board, CoTA is changing the ways in which teaching and learning occur in unique and profound ways.” McCormick observed. “As a professional who has worked in the fields of both arts and education for over 25 years, I am looking forward to this amazing opportunity to be part of such an inspiring organization."