Faculty Endorsement Network

The Endorsed Faculty Network

A selective, invitation-only circle of exceptional performing arts directors representing the educational values, character benchmarks, and professional standards of the Council's framework.

Highest Faculty Distinction

The International Thought Leader Endorsement

Conferred directly by the Board of Directors of the Council of Educators, this endorsement recognizes leaders who don’t just teach technical performance within their studios, but who actively create structural opportunities that expand what their performers believe is possible.

Conferred Exclusively by Invitation Non-Profit Governance Founding Status

Shaping the Educational Standard in Real Time

As the Council of Educators prepared for the inaugural launch of the Accomplished Performer Credential, the Board looked past conventional professional accolades. The critical question was simple: Who should represent the long-term values upon which this framework is anchored?

The selection focused entirely on studio directors whose professionalism, integrity, and daily dedication to developing performers reflect the baseline of human capability the Council seeks to advance globally.

The Founding Faculty Chapter

Formally recognized in July 2026 at our international session in Lisbon, Portugal, this group of educators represents the heart of our global network.

Because these honors are strictly invitation-only and cannot be applied for or bought, these directors stand as our permanent standard. Their decades of dedication ensure that the milestones logged onto upcoming registries reflect true credibility, resilience, and excellence in performing arts education.

Faculty Briefings

Current Insights & Perspectives

Selected commentary and institutional thought leadership from our endorsed network on the evolving landscape of performing arts education.

Industry & Leadership

"Is Dance the New Playground for Private Equity?"

Private equity is rapidly acquiring dance studios, competitions, software, retail, and media, directly affecting the independence, values, and daily operations of studio directors who have built their programs with heart and artistry for decades.

By Chasta Hamilton • Stage Door Dance

Read Full Briefing →
Cultural Exchange & Travel

"How Dance Travel Transforms Young Artists: From Rome & Paris to Our Upcoming Journey in Lisboa"

Why cultural exchange through travel matters for the growth and perspective of young performing artists.

By Sukanya Mahadevan • Shishya School

Read Full Briefing →

The Certified Faculty Registry

The following endorsed educators serve as standard-bearers for our global network—recognized as exemplary leaders who actively inspire, mentor, and guide performers toward elite milestones under the Council Registry Standards.

Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Ronda Barber

Step by Step Dance Studio Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

Elaine Conger

Artistic Director, Dulcimer U at Western Carolina University Knoxville, Tennessee

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

Larry Conger

Artistic Director, Dulcimer U at Western Carolina University Knoxville, Tennessee

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Kathy Costa McKeown

DanceWorks Studios Montclair, New Jersey

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Fran DeAngelo

ReCreation Tappers of SWFL Naples, Florida

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Fontaine Dollas Dubus

Joppa Dance Co. / The Dance Place Newburyport, Massachusetts

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Marja Finnigan

Elation Dance Center Delafield, Wisconsin

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

Chasta Hamilton

Studio Director, Stage Door Dance Raleigh, North Carolina

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

Dr. Tiffany Jefferson

Director, Hinds Community College Dance Department Raymond, Mississippi

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

David Knoell

Assistant Professor of Theatre, Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, Utah

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Sukanya Mahadevan

Shishya School of Performing Arts Pennington / Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

Pedro Fidalgo Marques

Executive & Technical/Pedagogical Director, Oeiras Dance Academy Oeiras, Portugal

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Sheila Oak

Rhythmaya Dance Ashburn, Virginia

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Sheela Ramanath

Kalavaridhi Center for Performing Arts Herndon, Virginia

Official Site →
Thought Leader Founding Chapter

Nirathi Rao

Rhythmaya Dance Ashburn, Virginia

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

Matt Straub

Executive Producer, Performing Arts Educators Stuart, Florida

Official Site →
Thought Leader Endorsed Faculty

Stephanie Stroud

Associate Professor of Theatre, Westminster University Salt Lake City, Utah

Official Site →

Registry ID Key

Each Registration ID follows this format: #YYYY-XXX-###-APC-[Category]-[Type]

  • APC = Accomplished Performer Credential Framework
  • TL = Thought Leader
  • BCC = Board Certified Credential (when applicable)
  • EF = Endorsed Faculty
  • FC = Founding Chapter

All credentials are verified and managed by the Council of Educators, Inc.

Verification Reference Rule: Official faculty validation records and active registry authorizations are securely managed by the Council of Educators, Inc. Active credentials can be verified by educational committees, institutions, or guidance administrators via formal inquiry to info@performingartseducators.org.