New Cranford Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts
The Cranford Board of Education is pleased to announce Zakiya Atkinson as the new Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts. Ms. Atkinson was selected after an extensive search process which included multiple interviews with the selection committee; reviews of work samples; and a very thorough reference check.
Ms. Zakiya Atkinson began her career in K-12 education as a dance teacher and dance program director in the Performing Arts Academy at Memorial High School in West New York, NJ. During those ten years, she served as a district Performing Arts Facilitator, developed curricula, participated in county and state arts initiatives, directed performances, facilitated social justice education, and collaborated with district leaders and staff on performing arts and STEAM programming.
Ms. Zakiya Atkinson earned her MA in Dance Education from New York University, BA in Communications & Theatre from Temple University, and a Certificate in Holocaust & Genocide Education from Saint Elizabeth University. She is the founder of Zaman Dance Theatre Collective and the Essex County Metro West Dance Festival. Ms. Zakiya Atkinson has served on the faculties at William Paterson University, New York University, and Bronx Community College. She has also been the recipient of awards and fellowships from the National Education Association, Bates Dance Festival, the Body Politic Laboratory at Gibney (NYC), and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Ms. Zakiya Atkinson is a doctoral student and an Arnhold Fellowship recipient in the Dance Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Zakiya Atkinson is excited to be named the new Fine and Performing Arts Supervisor for the Cranford Public School District. She is eager to collaborate with staff, students, parents, and community members to continue the cultivation of artistic literacy in the district.
