Celebrating the Retirement of Professor Liane Brouillette
By Rachel Sampson
May 10, 2026
May 10, 2026
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For decades, Professor Liane Brouillette has explored how the arts can transform teaching and learning, helping educators see creativity not as an add-on, but as a powerful tool for engagement and understanding.
As she retires from the UC Irvine School of Education, we recognize a career dedicated to integrating visual and performing arts into academic learning in ways that deepen student engagement and strengthen achievement. Her work has focused on how arts-based instruction can be meaningfully connected to core subjects, with an emphasis on aligning these experiences with children’s developmental stages. She also examined how arts-integrated approaches can support language development, particularly for English learners. The result is learning that is both intentional and impactful. In addition to her research, Brouillette has played a key leadership role at UC Irvine as director of the Center for Learning through the Arts, where she has fostered partnerships with K–12 schools and community organizations. Through this work, she has helped bring arts-integrated learning into classrooms in practical and lasting ways. |
Liane Brouillette
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"She has been a leader in demonstrating how the arts, as a core part of the curriculum, can support both emotional and intellectual development across the spectrum of education," said Kimberly Burge, senior lecturer at the UC Irvine School of Education and longtime colleague of Brouillette. "She has also been incredibly generous with her time and intellect, advising both Ed.D. and Ph.D. students as they pursue important work in arts education and beyond."
In addition to her work with arts education, Brouillette contributed to broader conversations around school reform and educational choice. Her scholarship, including her book Charter Schools, reflected a commitment to exploring alternative approaches to schooling and expanding opportunities for students and families.
Brouillette’s influence extends beyond her own work. As managing editor of the Journal for Learning through the Arts and the author of numerous books and publications, she has helped shape the broader field of arts education and policy.
"Liane's work has shown what's possible when the arts are fully integrated into how we think about teaching and learning," said Professor & Interim Dean Julie Washington. "Her contributions have had a meaningful impact on both research and practice, and on the communities we serve."
Liane Brouillette leaves a lasting legacy at the UC Irvine School of Education, defined by brilliant research, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to putting theory into practice.
We thank Professor Brouillette for her many contributions and the lasting impact she has made on students, educators, and the field of arts education.
In addition to her work with arts education, Brouillette contributed to broader conversations around school reform and educational choice. Her scholarship, including her book Charter Schools, reflected a commitment to exploring alternative approaches to schooling and expanding opportunities for students and families.
Brouillette’s influence extends beyond her own work. As managing editor of the Journal for Learning through the Arts and the author of numerous books and publications, she has helped shape the broader field of arts education and policy.
"Liane's work has shown what's possible when the arts are fully integrated into how we think about teaching and learning," said Professor & Interim Dean Julie Washington. "Her contributions have had a meaningful impact on both research and practice, and on the communities we serve."
Liane Brouillette leaves a lasting legacy at the UC Irvine School of Education, defined by brilliant research, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to putting theory into practice.
We thank Professor Brouillette for her many contributions and the lasting impact she has made on students, educators, and the field of arts education.
