Lauren Shelton is an accomplished leader and advocate in the field of arts education. As the founding Executive Director of the Indianapolis Center for Arts Education and Innovation at Butler University, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives and continues to oversee the Butler Community Arts School. With a strong background in arts education, advocacy, and management, Mrs. Shelton brings a wealth of experience to her role. Mrs. Shelton has been a classroom educator, music director for the San Diego Children’s Choir and Girl Scouts San Diego and launched the Community Opus Project with the San Diego Youth Symphony.
Prior to joining Butler University, Mrs. Shelton successfully reintroduced visual and performing arts to the Chula Vista Elementary School District, employing 94 arts teachers across 47 schools. She has also served as faculty for the Longy School of Music of Bard College’s Master of Arts in Teaching program.
Recognized for her expertise and commitment, Mrs. Shelton has been invited to speak at various conferences and events. Her speaking engagements have included Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Conference, NAMM Show Non-Profit Institute, Creativity Conference at Southern Oregon University, Save The Music Foundation, and Grantmakers in Education Conference, among others.
She holds a California Teaching Credential, California Administrative Credential, and completed her master’s in educational leadership with a focus on Arts Integration and Common Core Standards Implementation with honors. Mrs. Shelton has received multiple awards, including the Yale School of Music Distinguished Educator of the Year and the Outstanding Administrator Award from the California Music Educators Association.
Passionate about equitable arts education, Mrs. Shelton proudly serves on the Board of Directors for El Sistema USA as co-vice chair and chair of the advancement committee.
