WATERVILLE, MAINE, August 2025 — School teachers and leaders across the country are facing unprecedented challenges as student mental health needs and classroom behaviors continue to evolve. Many are searching for innovative, research-based approaches to foster stronger learning environments while supporting students’ emotional well-being.
This fall, Thomas College’s Lunder School of Education is proud to introduce a brand-new online, asynchronous graduate course designed to meet that need: ED599 Neuroaesthetics.
ED599 Neuroaesthetics explores the fascinating connection between the brain, art, and learning. Neuroaesthetics is the study of how the brain responds to art and aesthetic experiences—from visual art and music to nature and everyday objects—and how these experiences can enhance cognition, engagement, and emotional health.
Educators enrolled in this course will:
- Gain insight into the neural processes behind aesthetic experiences.
- Learn to create, evaluate, and critique art through a neuroscientific lens.
- Explore principles of art therapy and their applications for student well-being.
- Develop strategies to integrate neuroaesthetic practices into classrooms.
- Investigate the role of collective art practices in healing and building school communities.
- Strengthen their ability to think creatively while blending scientific and artistic approaches to teaching.
By weaving together brain science, art, and educational practice, this course equips teachers and school leaders with powerful strategies to build “better brains” in students while nurturing healthier, more connected classrooms.
The course will be taught by Thomas College professor Dr. Virginia Dearani, who brings over 25 years of experience as an educator and entrepreneur. She earned her Master’s in Partnership Education and Doctorate in Literacy Education from the University of Maine, Orono. Before joining Thomas College, Dr. Dearani taught at the University of Farmington, where she offered courses in Diversity and Social Justice Education, Social Studies & Global Perspectives, and Creative Arts and Technology in Education.
Her work centers on Whole Teacher/Whole Child approaches, Healing Engagement, Peace Education, and innovative practices that support learners from early childhood through adulthood. Dr. Dearani’s passion for blending creativity, science, and community building makes her uniquely suited to lead this groundbreaking course.
“I am excited to lead this course for graduate students that integrates arts, healing, and teaching for the field of education today,” said Thomas College professor Dr. Virginia Dearani.
As classrooms grow more complex, educators need tools that address both cognitive development and social-emotional growth. By applying the principles of neuroaesthetics, teachers will be better prepared to:
- Respond to the rise in student mental health challenges.
- Create classroom environments that engage the mind and soothe the spirit.
- Foster resilience, creativity, and community through collective art practices.
“The Lunder School of Education is proud to lead in the area of trauma-informed education, and this course is the first in an exciting line up and program soon to come to Maine and beyond,” said Thomas College Lunder School of Education Chair Dr. Katie Rybakova. “We are thrilled to have experts such as Dr. Virginia Dearani leading the way in this programming to ensure youth and teachers both gain practical tools and important knowledge of how to meet the needs of the whole student and whole teacher.”
ED599 Neuroaesthetics will be offered during Fall II, which runs from October 20-December 18, 2025 as part of the Thomas College Lunder School of Education graduate programs. The course is fully online and asynchronous, allowing busy educators the flexibility to learn at their own pace.
Educators and school leaders interested in expanding their skills, strengthening their classrooms, and supporting student well-being are encouraged to enroll. For more information, visit the Graduate & Professional Studies website.
About Thomas College
Thomas College, located in beautiful Waterville, Maine, is defining what it means to be the College of the Future. With a strong commitment to innovation, career readiness, and community partnerships, Thomas College is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Maine’s top colleges for social mobility. Our distinctive Guaranteed Job Program™, accelerated undergraduate degrees, and flexible graduate programs empower students to advance faster in business, entrepreneurship, education, technology, applied STEM, and arts & science fields. At Thomas, belonging isn’t a buzzword; it’s a promise. We create a supportive, welcoming environment where every student is seen, valued, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at [email protected] or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.