March 2025
Vol 36
MAAE News Updates
March 2025
February found MAAE at Missouri Citizens for the Arts Advocacy Week events and Missouri Arts Council meetings and the annual Missouri Arts Award Ceremonies. The Pianos for Uganda project found partners from Sacred Heart Parish and Jackson Pianos loading the refurbished pianos, medical equipment, books and more into the international cargo container in preparation for the 4-6 month journey to Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda. Donations are still needed!
March updates of note:
Join MAAE's Dance Education Committee. Free! Open to all. We need you! Tell your friends.
Become an MAAE ally Stay connected, informed, and become involved in this important work. Free!
Plan to participate in Fine Arts Education Week Events April 7-11, 2025. Celebrate with exhibits, in-person performances and annual awards recognizing artistic excellence and advocacy.
Send your videos to participate virtually in Fine Arts Education Day by March 15, 2025
Plan to attend the Celebration Summit Gala in Jefferson City, April 8, 2025 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. R.S.V.P. by March 7, 2025.
Help us join the efforts of our colleagues to connect an arts-friendly constituents to every house and senate district through MCA's Adopt-a-Legislator Program. Signup today! note the tabs at the top reflecting each region of Missouri.
Happy (almost) Spring!
-Phyllis Pasley
IN THIS ISSUE
Professional Learning
"March is an example of how beautiful new beginnings can be." -Anamika Mishra
Spring always brings the season of new conference and learning opportunities. As Director of Professional Learning, I have the privilege of visiting not only arts education conferences, but administrative conferences as well.
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In March, I’ll be attending the MAESP conference (Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals). If you are there, be sure to attend the arts integrated workshop “Unlocking Creativity: Arts Integration as a Pathway to Whole-School Success" presented by Cayla Barnes and principal Julia Coggins from Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary, Columbia Missouri.
If you haven’t attended one of our webinars, this is the perfect time for you to join our professional learning community! Each month, we offer free, live streaming, and collaborative Professional Development workshops through our IDEA and MAIN professional learning networks. You can earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit through Lindenwood University for attending our workshops!
I hope you find March full of new ARTful adventures and as always, let me know how I can help you curate your next professional learning experience!
In Case You Missed This!
In February, we continued our MAIN Network “Why Arts Integration?” webinar series: Learning from Educators in the Field with Cassie Carnahan, Kristi Ponder, and Mary Kate Szymaniak. We heard from educators in the field who are utilizing best practices of arts across the curriculum in their classrooms: Cassie Carnahan, an Elementary Gifted educator and Music Educator, Kristi Ponder, an Art Educator and Arts Integration Specialist, and Mary Kate Szymaniak, a Middle School Science Educator. Be sure to check out this webinar session to learn how arts integrated learning and teaching has significantly impacted and improved the community of learning in their classrooms.
Watch the February MAIN webinar here.
Save the Date! TAB St. Louis is coming up!
MAAE's FREE Professional Learning Networks
Join other educators in conversation and collaboration. All professional learning groups are live streaming, interactive, and free. Our webinars provide educators with learning and growth opportunities to support your professional journey. Professional Development certificates are available for each session.
Earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit!
Free, live streaming, and collaborative Professional Development workshops each month through our IDEA and MAIN professional learning networks. You can earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit through Lindenwood University for attending our workshops!
Why Arts Integration? Hearing from Preservice Teachers
April 7 | 5:30pm
Live via Zoom
Free
Join us as we continue our exploration of Why Arts Integration? In this session we will hear from preservice theachers!
Looking for new ACE Program School Partners for 2025-2026 School Year!
What is an Arts Centered approach to instruction?
We at MAAE believe that, arts centered education draws on the natural human inclination towards artistic expression to increase engagement and provide alternative access points to academic content. Art integration's multi-modality approach promotes creativity, imagination, innovation, social-emotional learning, and critical thinking, leading to a better understanding of academic content.
The Missouri Alliance Arts Centered Education (ACE) promotes and supports an arts across the curriculum approach to teaching and learning in Missouri's schools. This program enables schools to receive customized onsite professional development at no cost to the school.
ACE provides customized, onsite professional learning in arts integration at no cost to the school.
If you think your school may be interested in participating in MAAE's ACE program, please email ace@moaae.org
IDEA Network
Professional learning of inclusion, diversity and equity in the arts.
Interested in learning more? email cynthia.phelps@moaae.org
SAVE THE DATE!
Future sessions scheduled for our 2024-2025 Season
MONDAYS at 5:30-6:30pm
Inclusive Resources for Inclusive Classrooms
March 3 | 5:30pm
Live via Zoom
Free
How do we build inclusive classrooms not only in our instructional practice, but through the resources we use with students? In this session, Dr. Sarah Gulish and Franklin Willis will break down their work in curating and creating resources at F-flat Books that benefit all learners and center the voices of culture-bearers in music education. Franklin will share how he uses his experiences as both an author and educator to connect with teachers and students around the globe.
PD Certificate and Grad Credit Available
The Art of Transformation: Harnessing Music and Theater for Social Justice and Education
May 5 | 5:30pm
Live via Zoom
Free
Join Dr. Philip A. Woodmore as he delves into the transformative power of music and theater in addressing social justice, fostering community dialogue, and inspiring change. Drawing from his groundbreaking projects—Antigone in Ferguson, The Drum Major Instinct, and the upcoming Team M—as well as the innovative Theater of War model, this presentation highlights how art becomes activism. Discover practical strategies for integrating these ideas into K-12 classrooms, especially in the post-pandemic era, to build resilience, empathy, and connection among students.
PD Certificate and Grad Credit Available
Upcoming MAAE Events
Arts Ed Leaders Convening
Next Session
Virtual Session
April 22, 2025 2-3 p.m.
RSVP at kendra.franks@dese.mo.gov if you plan to attend!
Help us identify arts ed leaders across our state who might benefit from professional learning support. Contact Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps at cynthia.phelps@moaae.org and we'll get them connected to this group.
Learn more now!
Mark your calendar and plan to participate in our initiatives which promote arts education like Fine Arts Education Day (4.9.25), the Show-Me Arts Summit (4.8.25) the Senate Exhibit, and MAAE Awards and contests. With your participation, these initiatives help policy makers understand the power and value of a well-rounded education which includes the arts. Both in-person and remote involvement is possible.
Visit the Fine Arts Education Week page to keep up to date on events!
Don't Let Student Artists and Performers Go Hungry!
Your support is needed to help ensure student artists and performers at this year's Fine Arts Education Day can receive a free lunch. Make a donation today here.
Grant Support for Fine Arts teachers, trips, supplies, more!
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Several Granting organizations make funds available which might support teachers in their professional learning journey, and to meet program goals.
Connect the Arts - a web-based portal for artists wishing to post their own profile and portfolio of work, for job opportunities for artists, and a listing of grant opportunities which might be a match for your program needs.
Missouri Arts Council School Grants - funding support for artists in residence, express grants, Touring performers and "Big Yellow School Bus" transportation grants.
Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program - transportation funding support for school groups to travel to Missouri State Parks.
Royal Talens (visual arts supply vendor) sponsors a Cultural Equity Grant (up to $500) to provide support for studio art educators of color residing in the US or Canada to attend the regional and national educational conferences.
TLC Scholarship grants up to $250 for special projects.
Missouri Art Education Association MAEA Membership Grant, Emerging Leaders Grant, Conference Attendance Grant, and Project Grant.
New Teacher/Mentor Help Available
Reach out to us for resources to help new fine arts teachers thrive!
Contact director@moaae.org or complete this short survey and we will help get new teachers connected with an experienced mentor in their specific arts discipline.
Funding
As a non-profit, the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE) works tirelessly to promote and support high-quality arts education in Missouri schools. MAAE relies heavily on the support of donors like you to continue this critical work. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a significant difference in enhancing the quality and accessibility of arts education statewide.Make a donation, and help us create a brighter future for our young learners.
Thank you in advance for your support and for being an advocate of the arts and education.We are also grateful to those who have made in-kind donations to the Alliance. View the list of in-kind donors here.
Make a donation! Make a Difference!
Missourians Unite to share the Gift of Music with students in Uganda
Father Thomas Sserwadda of St. Louis University has partnered with MAAE, Jackson Pianos, Creative City, KC, and UNESCO to bring the 20 donated and refurbished pianos to Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda. The $25,000 in shipping costs is the final barrier to helping to bring the joys and benefits of a music education to over 200 students. Please make a donation today! Learn more and donate here!
Arts Advocacy
Missouri Arts Advocacy Week 2025
Missouri Citizens for the Arts hosted Missouri Arts Advocacy Week February 3-7, 2025. The mission of the event was to speak directly to legislators via in-person and virtual meetings at the capitol and in-district to show that the arts are vital to Missouri.
The arts make Missouri a better place to live, learn, work, visit, and do business. Arts and cultural organizations are economic drivers that support good paying jobs, attract tourists, and grow the state’s tax base. The arts cultivate young imaginations, foster healthy and vibrant communities, and preserve our cultural heritage. A robust creative sector is essential to Missouri’s future, so additional state funding simply makes good sense.
MAAE's Arts Advocacy Efforts
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MAAE engages in arts advocacy by providing information and support for local level advocacy, maintaining communication with our colleagues engaged in national level work, and with a variety of arts advocacy work at the state level. From raising visibility, to gathering information and training, much of our work in arts advocacy is at the state level. This includes our signature advocacy programs: Fine Arts Education Day, Senate Student Arts Exhibit, and the Show-Me Arts Summit. Other activities include reporting to our allies about the activities of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the State Board of Education, pending legislation, and changes to administrative rules. We work with our allied organizations such as Missouri Citizens for the Arts, Missouri School Boards Association, and associations which support teachers, (MSTA, MNEA) school administrators, (MASA) principals (MAESP, MoASSP) and more to ensure arts education thrives in Missouri.
View MAAE's 2024-2025 Advocacy Agenda
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The Executive Committee and Board of the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education creates an annual advocacy agenda directed toward the State Board of Education and the Missouri General Assembly.
In general, we encourage each of these entities to enact policies that support high quality arts education in Missouri.
Americans for the Arts has created a new resource hub on their website to support Threats to Artistic Freedom. Find updates on activity across the United States related to advocacy in this area.
You can also endorse MAAE's Artistic Freedom Statement.
Arts Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Math & Art Contest for Grades K-8
Free | Enter by March 3, 2025
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All students in kindergarten through grade eight are eligible to enter the contest. Each student may enter one piece of art in only one of the following categories:
Geometric Designs made with Markers, Colored Pencils, and Crayons: Students make original designs using only markers, colored pencils, and crayons.
Geometric Designs made with Glued-on Shapes: Students must cut the shapes, arrange the shapes, and glue the shapes in place to make an original design.
Tessellation Designs: Students must make original tessellations using markers, crayons, colored pencils, or glued-on shapes. (TesselMania software cannot be used.)
Computer-Generated Geometric Designs: The posters must be completely student-generated, not randomly generated by the computer. In this contest, the computer should be utilized as a graphics tool. Posters created by graphic optical character readers (OCR Scanners) will not be allowed. The work on the poster must be done solely by the student under the supervision of the teacher. Computer generated posters must also include the name of the software or graphics package used.
Learn More Here
Featured Art by Lillian Alviar, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, grade 5, Computer Generated
MoDOT Launches No MOre Trash Can Decorating Contest
Submissions are due March 2025
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The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is excited to invite Missouri students in grades K-12 to help fight litter in Missouri – and to be creative and have educational fun – by participating in the 2025 No MOre Trash! trash-can-decorating contest. This contest is part of MoDOT’s annual “No MOre Trash!” statewide litter campaign.
The contest encourages school classes and groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter prevention message using a variety of creative materials. Schools may submit one entry in each category: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The grand prize winner will receive $600 and a trophy. A $200 cash prize will be awarded to one entry in each competition category. There is no entry fee for the contest. Submissions are due on March 25, 2025.
Details for the contest can be found at modot.org/trash-can-contest.
Sky Ryders 2025 Experience and Evaluation Camps
Submissions are due March 2025
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Midwest International Art Competition
Open to young artists aged 5-17.
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The Midwest International Art Competition (MIAC) is a global platform dedicated to discovering and celebrating the artistic talents of young creators. Our mission is to provide these young artists with the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience, gain recognition, and develop their skills. By fostering creativity and encouraging artistic growth, MIAC aims to empower the next generation of artists and inspire them to push the boundaries of their imagination.
Learn More Here
Juries: Through the Eyes of Students
Judicial Learning Center 2025 Student Art Competition
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The Judicial Learning Center is excited to announce the 2025 Student Art Competition – Juries: Through the Eyes of Students. This competition provides an opportunity for students to use artistic expression to demonstrate their understanding of juries. Entry in the competition is free and open to all students in grades 1-12 (including public, private and home-schooled) within the Eastern District of Missouri. Click HERE to see the geographic boundaries of the District.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded per grade level group.
1st Place = $250 cash, ribbon, and certificate
2nd Place = $100 cash, ribbon, and certificate
3rd Place = $50 cash, ribbon, and certificate
Honorable Mention = ribbon and certificate
Missouri Arts Council Updates
Featured Artist Series
The Missouri Arts Council features Missouri Artists on their website each month. Selected artists of all disciplines — four each month from around the state —receive a $300 stipend. Learn more and apply here.
Congratulations to all of the featured artists:
Bring A+ Schools to Missouri
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist
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Since January, I have been working alongside Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute to bring A+ Schools to Missouri. This model for whole-school transformation begins with the arts as the key component of an eight-pillar framework known as the A+ Essentials. See chart below!
What I have learned:
A+ Schools professional learning requires a full commitment from each faculty member and leadership. The pd is intense and rewarding. Guided by expert teachers and teaching artists, a summer summit leads a group of educators through lessons and activities to master the eight Essentials, to apply them to their school community, and to develop lessons for their classrooms that honor this framework.
During a training week [Summer Summit] with Oklahoma A+ Schools, I witnessed many aha! moments, collaborations, and lessons planned.
So what now?
Missouri Arts Council believes in the strength of this model. We will provide the funding to implement A+ Schools, which translates into $90,000 of professional learning over three years for each school that makes this commitment.
Talk to me if you are curious about this model. A+ Schools are thriving in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, and pilot programs are underway in Colorado and Texas. Since 1995, A+ Schools have reported higher achievement, attendance, and satisfaction (student and teacher).
AND
Below check out the A+ Fellows Info Sheet to learn about becoming an A+ Fellow: we are searching for expert MO teachers and teaching artists. This opportunity begins with high quality professional learning and leads to a part-time position (an excellent summer job!) Apply now! A+ Schools Missouri Apprentice Fellows Application
Listen to the podcast episode with Missouri State Teachers Association: Episode 36: Missouri Arts council and the A+ Schools Network | MSTA Presents (podbean.com)
--Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist
Missouri Arts Council
Jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov
314.340.6857
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Updates
From the DESE Desk: Data Dashboard, Happenings, and Updates
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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Directors of Fine Arts Meeting – Directors of Fine Arts from around MO met together at the MMEA conference in Osage Beach at the end of January (Image above). Next meeting is in April.
DATA PROJECT - K – 12 data for fine arts in MO is here! Please check it out!! MO Arts Ed Dashboards
Also share your excitement of it being here at this email fineartsdata@dese.mo.gov
Your comments may help this endeavor to be able to continue!!Civics & Patriotism Cross-curricular conference – On Feb. 27/28th, DESE directors of curriculum hosted a cross-curricular conference of humanities content areas and the civics frameworks. A few of the sessions were led by MO art teachers, Liz Barker from Lebanon and Makayla Howard from Iberia. A special tour of the Thomas Hart Benton mural in the House lounge of the State Capitol was given by the capitol historian and teachers from all over Missouri participated in the 2-day conference in Jefferson City. I’m so thankful for colleagues at DESE who value and include the arts in best practices for student learning.
Renovation at the Jefferson Building – My office on the 5th floor of the Jefferson Building at 205 Jefferson St. in downtown Jefferson City has been moved to the 11th floor. Some major and long-time awaited renovations are occurring. The DESE art exhibit has moved as well. If you would like to view the artwork, or if you’d like to visit with me in Jeff City, please email to schedule a time Kendra.franks@dese.mo.gov
The next and final FAM mtg is Thursday, April 17th. There will not be one in March, because I’ll be attending the NAEA conference in Louisville.
National Arts Standards Survey Now Open
For the first time since 2014, the National Coalition for Arts Standards (NCAS) is reviewing the National Arts Standards —and they need YOUR voice!
Whether you teach dance, direct theatre, create media arts, make music, or inspire visual artists, your experience matters.
Help shape how we teach arts in America by taking the NCAS survey public input survey by May 16, 2025.
Together, we’re building the future of arts education!
Teacher Shortage Report
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Each year DESE publishes a Teacher Shortage Report. The department prepares this report in compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements. The results of the study help to determine eligibility to receive some financial aid, including TEACH grants. This year’s report has been approved by the USDOE and is now available here:https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/2024-approved-teacher-shortage-report.
Nominate an Educator for Missouri Teacher of the Year
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Nominations are now being accepted for Regional Teacher of the Year, the first step in the process to become next year’s Missouri Teacher of the Year. Nominations are due by April 14, 2025, and are anonymous unless otherwise requested. Nominations can be made through the online Teacher of the Year nomination form here
“The act of telling people how much their work is noticed and appreciated can have a tremendous impact,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “As we come together to address teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the state, we cannot forget about the importance of valuing and respecting the teaching profession.”
More than 30 Regional Teachers of the Year are selected to represent each one of the nine Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs) throughout the state as well as the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence. Anyone can nominate an educator for the Teacher of the Year award, even if the educator is not a school district’s teacher of the year program winner.
“People in public education rarely receive the recognition, attention, or applause they deserve for the things they do, and being nominated means that someone noticed all of the things that teachers do that too often go unappreciated,” said 2024 Missouri Teacher of the Year, Greg Kester. “Being nominated for Missouri Teacher of the Year reflects how people feel and think about a teacher and is truly an honor. I will always be thankful for those who nominated me, and I will never be able to express my gratitude adequately to them.”
“Being nominated for Missouri Teacher of the Year gave me the opportunity to reflect upon why I teach, how I teach, and how I can continually strive to best serve my students and colleagues,” said 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Jones. “I was and continue to be humbled to represent and work with thousands of caring, dedicated Missouri educators.”
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will announce the Regional Teacher of the Year winners later this summer. The Missouri Teacher of the Year will be named in September.
DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring: East Elementary from Waynesville R-VI School District
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Featuring: East Elementary from Waynesville R-VI School District
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Visit DESE’s Virtual Art Gallery here, which features creations this month from East Elementary from Waynesville R-VI School District. For more information about how your school can participate in the art exhibit, please contact Dr. Kendra Franks, DESE’s Fine Arts Curriculum Director at Kendra.Franks@dese.mo.gov.
Artwork is on display in the Jefferson Building 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday (except for state holidays). Please contact Kendra Franks, Arts Education Director before visiting.
Started in 2004, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has invited public schools throughout Missouri to submit samples of their students' artwork. The art is displayed in the Department's main office in Jefferson City and in the room where the State Board of Education holds its regular monthly meetings. Artwork from each featured school is showcased for a month. The same artwork is now featured here. For privacy reasons, the full names of the student artists will not be published here.
Schools that will be featured in the Virtual Art Gallery are already scheduled for several months in advance. Please do not submit unsolicited artwork. For more information, contact:
Kendra Franks, Ph.D.
Director of Fine Arts Education
573-751-9610
Kendra.Franks@dese.mo.gov
Image Credit: Bree - Waynesville
Job Postings
View March Job Postings from Across Missouri
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Missouri State University
Assistant Professor Theatre Education
DaySpring Arts & Education
Part-time positions currently available...
Academy Teacher (Middle School & High School History Teacher, Middle School & High School Math Teacher)
Music Director - The Music Director is responsible for the overall musical integrity of the production from first rehearsal to final curtain. They ensure that the music and vocal parts support the overall vision for a production, creating the highest quality musical experience possible,while ensuring that the success and growth of the class is the priority. The MD supports the individual actors as they create their characters, assisting them with pitch, rhythm etc to help them achieve their best version of the character, regardless of their skill level. The Music Director attends auditions, all rehearsals, tech, and performances.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Applications for the 2025–2026 Resident Teaching Artists cohort will open on March 10, 2025.
Opera Theatre St. Louis
Apprentice Assistant Stage Director
Artistic Director
2025 Company Scheduler
Box Office Representative
Spring/Summer 2025 Administrative Internship Program
Build Crew Positions
Run Crew Positions
Intern Assistant Stage Manager
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
VP of Artistic Planning
Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager
Missouri Educator Job Board
DESE is pleased to introduce the first-ever Missouri Educator Job Board. Through Missouri’s participation in a pilot project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Educator Job Board is available at no cost to every teacher candidate and Missouri school district and charter school.
An interested candidate looking for a teaching job may search by type of teaching position, by location of school, and even by type of school anywhere in the state. The Missouri Educator Job Board aims to connect interested teacher candidates to schools with vacant positions more directly, more quickly, and more easily.
Interested stakeholders may review the Missouri Educator Job Board here. There is also a 5-minute video available to review that introduces the Job Board and walks through its features.
Join the MAAE Team Today! Check out our Current Job Openings!
Know of other jobs? Please share! communication@moaae.org
Regional News
MAAE is introducing a new section of our monthly newsletter devoted to breaking down news, resources, and events by region! The goal is to help our readers better utilize the fine arts and fine arts education resources closest to them.
This section is broken down into six areas:
Kansas City and Northwest
Springfield and Southwest
Central Missouri
St. Louis Area
Hannibal and Northeast
Cape Girardeau and Southeast
Regional Arts Education Networks
Strengthening regional connections increases access to resources, opportunities for professional learning and collaboration, and strengthens arts education within the region. Visit MAAE's new Regional Arts Education Networks page now.
Missouri Arts Education Organizations Spring 2025 Professional Learning Conferences
Connecting arts educators in leadership and learning
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MAAE helps support exceptional professional learning opportunities sponsored by statewide arts education organizations thanks to individual and organizational contributors and funding from the Missouri Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Francis Family Foundation.
Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals March 1 - 4, 2025
Missouri Association of School Administrators March 25 - 28, 2025
Conference on the Young Years March 6 - 8, 2025
Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals March 30 - April 1, 2025
MAAE's Fine Arts Education Week April 7 - 11, 2025
Missouri Art Education Association April 10 - 12, 2025
Missouri Association of School Librarians April 13 - 15, 2025
News and Resources from our Allies
Made-in-Missouri Films Spent More Than $33 Million in 2024
Missouri’s newly reinstated motion picture tax credit is paying off. The 39 productions that qualified for the incentives spent more than $33.5 million and employed 1,437 Missouri residents while filming here last year. As reported by the Missouri Film Office, the productions included 15 narrative feature films, four documentary features, two narrative shorts, two documentary shorts, nine unscripted TV series, one scripted TV series pilot, one animated TV series, four commercials, and one web series.
MAEA Upcoming Webinar
Learn more and register here.
March 27 - Effective Grant Writing
GAM Virtual Speaker Series
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Monday, April 14--Supporting Gifted Kids in a General Education Classroom with Jennifer Hawkins (GAM Executive Secretary)
As gifted educators, it’s important that we make sure our students continue to learn when they go back to their general education classrooms. Learn ways to differentiate curriculum using interventions and extensions for “Those Who Already Know It.“ Register HERE
Upcoming Workshops:
Debt Management, Fashion Law, Protecting Band Name
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DEBT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR CREATIVES
Monday, March 10, 4:00-5:00 PM (on Zoom)
Is debt causing you stress? This free webinar will provide proven strategies for getting out of crushing credit card debt and managing college loans. Andrew Zumwalt, chair of the personal financial planning program at University of Missouri-Columbia, is our presenter.
NAVIGATING FASHION LAW
Saturday, March 29, 9:30-11:00 AM
High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington in Grand Center
Learn about the unique legal challenges facing small and startup fashion brands and designers. Matthew Cook, a designer/artist, former VLAA summer associate, and current SLU Law and MBA student, will explain how creativity and innovation are protected in the fashion industry. Then Attorney Emily Bardon, with Lewis Rice Design & Luxury, will discuss business entity formation, contracts, and licensing.
PROTECTING YOUR BAND NAME
Monday, March 31, 5:00-6:30 PM
Metro Theater Company, 3311 Washington in Grand Center
A great name alone won't make or break a band or brand, but it can certainly help. We’ll discuss what makes a memorable band name. Then, Attorneys Matt Minder and Jazmyn Ferguson, BCLP law firm, will explain why your band name should (or shouldn’t) be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. They’ll also highlight a few high-profile cases involving band name disputes.
Torrance Festival of Ideas: Creativity & Health
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The 2025 Torrance Festival of Ideas will focus on the theme of CREATIVITY & HEALTH. This global online two-day festival (April 21-22) features presentations from world-renowned scholars on their pioneering ideas on the intersections between creativity and mental health, physical health, community health, and medicine.
Registration is FREE but seats are limited!
Register at the Festival Website: https://tinyurl.com/torranceideasfest2025
Apply for MSU's Online MAE Program
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Missouri State University’s MAE program has a rolling admission cycle and a graduate certificate option coming soon.
This program is 100% online and is designed for practicing art teachers who can choose a studio emphasis or a written thesis track.
MSU is one of the most affordable graduate educations available. Finishing just 18 credit hours qualifies you to teach dual credit and other college courses.
Note: The MAE does not include coursework for teaching certification.
Artist INC – April and June In Person Sessions
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Artist INC Express Springfield, MO (in-person) Spring
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 12:00 to 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 12:00 to 5:00 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Registration Cap: 40 (expect 70% attendance)
Registrations to Date: 5
Event Registration Link: https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-springfield-mo-in-person/
AIX Marketing Information Sheet (in-person)- Apr. 12-13, 2025
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Artist INC Express Cape Girardeau, MO (in-person)
Saturday, June 7, 2025 from noon to 5:00 pm
Sunday, June 8, 2025 from noon to 5:00 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Registration Cap: 40 (expect 70% attendance–25)
Registrations to Date: 0
Event Registration Link: https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-cape-girardeau-mo-in-person/
AIX Marketing Information Sheet (in-person)
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants
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The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need* who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.
Learn More Here
The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $3,000 to professional dancers facing dire financial emergencies, due to the loss or lack of recent/current live performance work, because of circumstances outside of their control.
Learn More Here
MAEA Spring Conference April 10-12
Learn more and register here.
In Spring 2025 the MAEA Conference is April 10-12th in Columbia, Missouri. We are excited to invite Keynote Speakers, Karen E. Griffin and Dr. RitaDoris Ubah to present as well as a series of local artists in our guest artist spotlight. Learn from teachers on the topic of community connections. We will explore art integration schools with Missouri Arts Council, community murals with Columbia Public Schools and Art Club ideas within our Division Meetings. Get excited to pair with new and old vendors from DrawLucy and DoRadThings to Blick and Amaco. We are proud to announce that we will be visiting a ton of locations around Columbia including. As always we will have a silent auction of great items for your classroom and a presentation of student and member artwork.
Fall 2025 Conference Dates Set
MAEA Fall 2025 will be Oct 3-4th at Camp Bob White in Knob Noster, MO for the 43rd annual year. This signature MAEA event includes TONS of hands-on art making with colleagues as well as time to practice new techniques like weaving, tye dye, glass slumping, t-shirt printing, raku pottery, found object art, nature-based art and more! It's the ultimate camp experience for art teachers.
MAEA Spring Conference 2026 at the Cape!
Learn more and register here.
This just in! MAEA Spring Conference 2026 will be in Cape Girardeau, MO for the first time! Mark your calendars for March 26th-28th, 2026. We are currently collecting team
2025 NAEA National Convention
March 20-22, 2025 | Louisville, KY
Registration is open! Secure your spot now for the 2025 NAEA National Convention, taking place March 20 – 22 in Louisville, Kentucky. Yearly, NAEA brings thousands of visual arts, design, and media arts education professionals together for this epic event offering hundreds of opportunities for all levels of educators, administrators, teaching artists, and more! Engage in premier professional learning and make meaningful connections at NAEA25. Join us in Louisville and be inspired!
Register here offsite link before October 31 to save the most!
View the registration rates schedule and NAEA25 policies here.
Do you love Dance? Let's connect!
For those who wish to maintain a statewide dance advocacy presence, share knowledge and help unify Missouri's dance community please get connected at dance@moaae.org.
Tap to view list of Statewide Arts Ed Orgs
The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education encourages you to join our statewide arts education organizations. Uniting with others strengthens our collective voice in advocacy, and ensures that students throughout the state have ever-improving, high quality teachers. These teachers gain tools to help cultivate each student's ability to express themselves through the arts. Joining the organizations and attending their conferences is a cost-effective and comprehensive way for teachers to receive content-specific professional learning. The leadership of each group passionately cares of Missouri teachers and wants to provide them the tools they need to help their students succeed. Join today!
Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA)
Missouri State Thespians (MoThespians)
Follow MAAE across social media where we post about all things art education to help Missourians connect, celebrate, and advocate for arts education.
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