Before you can book your first Art Opening Minds Class, you'll complete an orientation through your Partner Portal. Don't worry — it's not a test, and it's not a lecture. Think of it as time set aside for you to experience what AOM feels like from the inside, and to think through how you want to bring it to your students.
What's the orientation like?
It's interactive and reflective. You'll actually watch one of our short films, respond to prompts about what came up for you, and work through real-world scenarios at your own pace. The whole experience is designed to help you think — not just learn procedures.
Here's what you'll move through:

• Experience a short film firsthand. You'll choose from a few of our Voices With Impact films and watch one yourself. Then you'll reflect on what stood out, what feelings came up, and what topics felt most impactful. This is the same kind of experience your students will have — and there's no better preparation than doing it yourself.
• Explore how to choose the right class. You'll learn the difference between our three Class Types — Mental Health Training, Supporting Our Own Mental Wellness, and Building Empathy for Others — and practice matching them to real scenarios. You'll also explore how to use our Mental Health Topics filter to find classes that fit your goals and your community.
• Think through emotional safety. AOM Classes aren't therapy, and they're not meant to be. You'll walk through how to hold the boundaries of an educational space, how to make the experience feel predictable for students, and what to do if someone gets upset. Each section includes a practice exercise where you think through your own approach — because there's no single right answer, just the best answer for you.
• Plan your preparation. You'll think about what you personally need to feel ready — how much time to set aside, who you might want to consult, and what will help you feel grounded and confident before your first class.
  How long does it take?
  About 30 minutes. You work through it at your own pace, and you only need to do it once.
  Where do I find it?
  Log in to your Partner Portal. If you haven't completed the orientation yet, it will be the first thing you see.
  What happens after I finish?
  You'll have full access to browse, book, and lead any class in our 65+ class library. And you'll feel a lot more prepared — which is the whole point.
  Tips & Notes
• The orientation includes open-ended reflection questions. There are no wrong answers — these are for you, not for a grade.
• Everything covered in the orientation (and much more) is available anytime in the Learning Center if you ever want a refresher.
• If you have a question not answered here or in the orientation, reach out to our team and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.