Research Spotlight: Arts Education and Academic Success
Lead Researcher:
Inna Brayer ‘25
Affiliated Program:
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
Project Title:
From Performance to Purpose: A Mixed Methods Study of the Impact of Arts Education on Adolescent Academic Success, Resilience and Social-Emotional Development
What is your background and how did you end up at Marymount?
I began my career as a professional ballroom dancer, competing internationally and representing the United States at world championships. In 2008, I appeared as a professional dancer on “Dancing with the Stars,” which was an incredible experience that deepened my love for performance, teamwork and mentorship.
Eventually, I earned my bachelor’s degree in early education from Hunter College, thinking I would one day teach in an elementary school. After filling in temporarily for a friend at a middle school, I ended up building and leading their dance program, which reignited my passion for education and inspired me to combine artistry with pedagogy.
During the pandemic, I completed my master’s degree online and decided to pursue my long-held dream of earning an Ed.D. Marymount’s program appealed to me because of its personal approach and curriculum that offered a variety of courses, which aligned perfectly with my interests in educational leadership and the arts.
What inspired your dissertation research, and what was your focus?
Given my background as a dancer and educator, I always knew I wanted to explore the transformative power of the arts in learning environments. My dissertation focused on the impact of arts education on academic achievement, resilience and social-emotional development in middle and high school students.
I was particularly interested in how creative disciplines—like dance, music and theater—help students develop non-cognitive skills such as discipline, perseverance and empathy. For many adolescents, the arts provide a crucial outlet for self-expression, especially for those who might struggle in traditional academic settings. Through my research, I sought to demonstrate that arts education is not a luxury or extracurricular benefit, but an essential part of holistic student development.
What were some of your key findings?
My findings reinforced what I’ve long believed as both a performer and educator—engagement in the arts cultivates resilience and strengthens students’ social-emotional skills. Students who participated in arts programs reported higher levels of self-efficacy, motivation and connectedness to their school communities.
One of the most meaningful discoveries was how participation in arts programs during the regular school day, not just after-school activities, significantly improved academic outcomes. Students felt more invested in their education, built stronger peer relationships and demonstrated better attendance and focus. Creative spaces also encouraged collaboration and inclusivity, allowing students to connect across cultural and social divides.
Ultimately, my research highlighted that creativity isn’t separate from learning—it enhances it. When schools integrate arts education as a central part of their curriculum, they’re not just fostering artistic talent. They’re building confident, adaptive and empathetic learners prepared for the challenges of the future.
What are your professional plans moving forward?
I hope to use my research to advocate for arts education and its inclusion in school curricula, particularly for adolescents. I’d love to work with administrators or serve in a leadership role to influence curriculum design. Eventually, I see myself teaching at the higher education level or pursuing a deanship where I can help shape policy and inspire future educators.
What advice would you give to creative students pursuing higher education?
Find your community. Join clubs, collaborate with other artists and stay engaged in your craft while maintaining your studies. Creativity and education don’t have to be separate. It’s important for artists to have both the passion for their art and the educational foundation that sustains long-term growth and opportunity.
Dancing taught me resilience—the ability to push through challenges and keep striving for improvement. That same resilience applies to all areas of life, from academic and professional settings to personal growth. The arts teach you to face fear, perform under pressure and express yourself with confidence—skills that are essential for success in any field.
