May 2025
May 2025
Vol 36
Vol 36
Embedded Files
MAAE News Updates
MAAE News Updates
May 2025
Now is the month of Maying! Such a busy time in the school year. Hoping your year-end activities are a success and you all are able to soon get some much needed rest!
Read on to hear of the successes of Fine Arts Education Week - April 7-11, 2025. Special thanks to MAAE Staff and volunteers who are Rock Stars! Mark your calendars for next year's event April 6-10, 2026 where our theme will be "Celebrate 250."
Please consider allowing us to include your name among our list of MAAE allies. We are stronger together. Both individuals and organizations can join at no cost! We are also still looking for new volunteers and team members to fill crucial roles for our MAAE programming. Please send a message describing your interest and a resume to director@moaae.org.
Phyllis Pasley
IN THIS ISSUE
Fine Arts Education Week 2025 Success
Fine Arts Education Week 2025 Success
2025 MAAE Awards and Contest Winners Announced
Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibit 2025 Winners Announced
Tap to learn more
Each Missouri Senator selects a single student work to represent their district for the coming year. Those students, their school and teacher's name, and the Senator who selected their work are listed below.
In 2024-25, more than 1,800 pieces of student artwork were collected. We are grateful to all of the student and teacher participants who submitted artwork for consideration.
Ember Walworth, Gr. 4, Sappington Elementary, Amy Ahmed, selected by Senator Doug Beck, SD01
Milo Nichols, Gr. 12, Francis Howell Central HS, Michelle McCune, selected by Senator Nick Schroer, SD02
Kaylynn Gilbert, Gr. 12, North County Senior HS, Cameron Queen, selected by Senator Mike Henderson , SD03
Kat Walker, Gr. 11, Clayton HS, Kami Chavarin, selected by Senator Karla May, SD04
Damya Davis, Gr. 8, Madison Therapeutic School, St. Louis Public Schools, Shawn Trent, selected by Senator Steve Roberts, SD05
Gage Tournear, Gr. 10, School of the Osage, Tiffany Caldwell, selected by Senator Mike Bernskoetter, SD06
Maria Reynoso, Gr. 12, East HS, Morgan Cravens, selected by Senator Patty Lewis , SD07
Aubree Cubley, Gr. 11, Summit Christian Academy, Jana Evans, selected by Senator Mike Cierpiot, SD08
Malachi Walker, Gr. 10, Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts, Bonnye Brown, selected by Senator Barbara Ann Washington, SD09
Kali Moss, Gr. 11, Troy Buchanan HS, Abigail Byington, selected by Senator Travis Fitzwater, SD10
Sophia Barlag, Gr. 12, Independence Art And Technology School, Karen Campbell, selected by Senator Joe Nicola , SD11
Eve Townsend, Gr. 12, Lathrop HS, Jessica Petty, selected by Senator Rusty Black, SD12
Ka'Mina Peppers, Gr. 1, Lawson Elem., Denise Curtis, selected by Senator Angela Mosley, SD13
Lena Williams, Gr. 10, STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley, Kelly Eggers, selected by Senator Brian Williams, SD14
Luke Hinton, Gr. 11, Lafayette HS, Lauren Sakowski, selected by Senator David Gregory , SD15
Nikki Rubino, Gr. 11, Lebanon HS, Elizabeth Barker, selected by Senator Justin Brown, SD16
Kali Sun, Gr. 12, Staley HS, Chelle Cox, selected by Senator Maggie Nurrenbern , SD17
Stormy Lewis, Gr. 12, Hannibal HS, James Zimmerman, selected by Senator Cindy O’Laughlin, SD18
Noah Huff, Gr. 12, Hickman HS, Traci Bolda, selected by Senator Stephen Webber , SD19
Katie Shields, Gr. 12, Lamar HS, Candy Hill, selected by Senator Curtis Trent, SD20
Harlei Kammerich, Gr. 12, Pilot Grove HS, Macie Edwards, selected by Senator Kurtis Gregory , SD21
Macey Crostic, Gr. 4, House Springs Elem., Michelle Howard, selected by Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, SD22
Nathan Unger, Gr. 4, Francis Howell Fairmount Elem., Dr. Heidi Styrk, selected by Senator Adam Schnelting , SD23
Dawson Braden, Gr. 12, Ladue HS, Christine Warner, selected by Senator Tracy McCreery, SD24
Ellie Furlow, Gr. 11, Kennett HS, Joni Boone, selected by Senator Jason Bean, SD25
Ella Heisel, Gr. 12, Eureka HS, Kristina Welch, selected by Senator Ben Brown, SD26
Jaedyn Hethcote, Gr. 12, Cape Girardeau Central HS, Jon Daniels, selected by Senator Jamie Burger , SD27
Madalyn Fox, Gr. 9, Smith Cotton HS, Rachel Ramirez, selected by Senator Sandy Crawford, SD28
Ashton Watson, Gr. 6, Inman Intermediate, Brooke Rowe, selected by Senator Mike Moon, SD29
Mia Whitney, Gr. 11, Glendale HS, Jessica Blackburn, selected by Senator Lincoln Hough, SD30
Adalyn Stevick, Gr. 8, Raymore Peculiar South Middle School, Rachel McClain, selected by Senator Rick Brattin, SD31
Bow Smith, Gr. 8, Carl Junction Jr. HS, Whitney Bucher, selected by Senator Jill Carter, SD32
Lyla Wood, Gr. 4, Willow Springs Elem., Tiffany Green, selected by Senator Brad Hudson , SD33
Andrea Garcia, Gr. 12, Park Hill South HS, Heather Sulzen, selected by Senator Tony Luetkemeyer, SD34
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
"May is the month of beauty, where we can appreciate the world around us." - Unknown
Through fine arts education, we have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty around us all the time! In April, I attended the Fine Arts Education Day at the Missouri State Capitol and had the honor of announcing the winners of our student, teacher, and admin awards. What an amazing day of advocacy and arts appreciation! I also attended the MAEA (Missouri Arts Education Association) Spring Conference in Columbia, MO as a presenter and exhibitor. My presentation was titled “5 Ideas for Building Partnerships through Effective, Reflective Teaching”. While in Columbia, I had the opportunity to take a tour of Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary thanks to arts integration instructional mentor Cayla Barnes! What an incredible, arts-rich learning community.
We have brand new professional learning opportunities coming this Fall and we can’t wait to share them with you! More details to come.
I hope you find May full of new ARTful adventures and as always, let me know how I can help you curate your next professional learning experience!
Register Now for TAB 2025
Register Now for TAB 2025
Now's the time to register for TAB St. Louis! June 4-5 2025 at Meramec Elementary in Clayton. Join us to explore Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) pedagogy and choice-based teaching. Gain practical tools, connect with resources, and engage in a supportive community! Graduate Credit Available. If you have questions, contact StlTabChoice@gmail.com
Learn More and Register Here
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
IDEA Network
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
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!
Upcoming MAAE Events
Upcoming MAAE Events
Save the Date!
In-person October 6-10, 2025
9:30-3:30pm
specific dates/location TBD
Learn more and Register Here
Dancers Apply Now for Fauman Scholarship
Application closes May 30, 2025
Learn more and Apply Here
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
Funding
We need your help! Donate Now!
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.
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!
A final update on the Pianos for Uganda Project
We are thrilled to share that the shipment is enroute and is nearing its destination. Thank you for sharing this opportunity with your parish and for helping bring Father Thomas' vision to fulfillment. The donated items are expected to arrive at Bukalasa Seminary by the end of May, 2025.
Arts Advocacy
Arts Advocacy
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
Arts Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Juried Exhibition for Secondary Art Students
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The Department of Art & Design, the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters, and the Board of Governors of Missouri State University will host a virtual Juried Exhibition for secondary art students again this year. The virtual exhibition will showcase artworks from talented students and give them an opportunity to participate in a competitive, juried summer exhibition, and provide a platform for their work to be displayed in a college venue. Please note as this is a juried show, entries are not guaranteed acceptance.
Exhibition format:
+ All aspects of the jurying process and exhibition are virtual! Images are submitted online.
+ Instructions for uploading images are on the prospectus (link below).
Eligibility:
+ All currently enrolled high school students.
Submission Requirements:
+ Each student may submit up to 3 works (1 detail image per piece if needed).
+ Students should submit works from the previous or current school year.
+ There are no fees associated with submission.
Winning entries will receive award certificates and scholarships that can be applied towards tuition at Missouri State University Art & Design:
1st–$5,000.00
2nd–$3,000.00
3rd–$1,500.00.
Entry Deadline: October 24, 2025 (entry portal opens October 1)
Notification of Acceptance: December 12, 2025
Virtual Summer Exhibition Opens: June 2, 2026
Learn more here.
Poster Contest for National Disability Employment Awareness Month
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The Governor’s Council on Disability (GCD) has launched its annual Poster Contest for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to raise awareness about the importance of employment inclusion and highlighting the important contributions of individuals with disabilities to the workforce. Celebrated annually in October, NDEAM celebrates the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy.
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Participate by submitting original artwork relating to disability employment, the ADA, or community inclusion
The winning artwork will be featured on the 2025 GCD NDEAM poster, which is distributed statewide!
The 2025 GCD NDEAM poster will be featured on the GCD website, social media, GCD Newsletter, and GCD annual report and displayed in state government offices
All artwork entries will be displayed on the GCD website
Artwork entries must be received before August 31. Don’t delay – get started now for your chance to win this year’s contest.
The contest is open to all Missouri residents of all ages.
More information and entry forms can be found on the GCD NDEAM Poster Contest website at https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/PosterContest/
Questions? Call 573-751-2600.
Missouri Arts Council Updates
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:
Applications are always open for artists living in Missouri. Artists are paid a stipend in cooperation with Mid-America Arts Alliance.
From the MAC Desk: Spring Into A+ Schools
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Specialist, Missouri Arts Council
From the MAC Desk: Spring Into A+ Schools
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Specialist, Missouri Arts Council
Tap to Read
Tap to Read
Spring has officially announced itself with glorious blooms on trees and tornadic winds playing a cute game of “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” with those same blooms. Stay safe, dogwoods!
As we wind down the school year and MAC’s fiscal year, I am looking forward to possibility. Possibility of connecting with more teachers, administrators, and school communities to emphasize the importance of the arts in education. To that end, I am hopeful that a few brave schools will take the leap into whole-school arts integration and apply for the A+ Schools Missouri training.
A+ Schools is a thirty-year-old school reform model that supports schools in four states. Missouri would like to be State Number Five.
FAQs
What is A+ Schools Missouri?
School reform model that implements the eight A+ Essentials, with arts every day at the center. Established A+ Schools in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas consistently report higher levels of engagement, attendance, and achievement for both students and their teachers.
How does it work?
Schools apply for acceptance into the A+ network. Highly trained A+ Fellows facilitate summer trainings [“summits”]. A+ Schools receive ongoing support beyond the training.
How much will it cost?
Missouri Arts Council proposes to fund 100% of training and support (roughly $90,000).
When does it begin?
Summer 2026
If you are curious, stop by a virtual information session this spring. Follow this link to our web page where you will find a registration form and updated details throughout May.
Cheers! Here’s to sunny skies.
-Jenni
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Updates
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Updates
From the DESE Desk: Happenings and Updates
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
From the DESE Desk: Happenings and Updates
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Tap to Read
Tap to Read
Governor Mike Kehoe appointed four new members to the State Board of Education (State Board), Michael Matousek (Kansas City), Kenneth "Brooks" Miller Jr. (Sunrise Beach), Jon Otto (Kansas City), and Thomas G. Prater, M.D. (Springfield). These appointments are now subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate in the coming weeks.
“We look forward to welcoming these new members to the State Board and working with them to serve students, educators, and schools statewide,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger.
Matousek
Matousek serves as the director of the Government Freight Conference at the American Trucking Association. He has previous experience as the state legislative affairs director for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and legislative director in the Office of Congressman Sam Graves. Matousek earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida.
Matousek fills the seat for the 6th Congressional District held by Charlie Shields (St. Joseph), who was appointed to the State Board in August 2012, and became president in June 2015.
“Charlie is a persistent champion for public education and the important role it plays in our society,” said Commissioner Eslinger. “His leadership and insight have been greatly appreciated throughout the years and we cannot thank him enough for his service on the board and his commitment to the children in Missouri.”
Matousek’s term will expire on July 1, 2028.
Miller
Miller previously served as the president and CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center. In addition to his professional career, he has served as the vice president of the Springfield Board of Public Utilities and was most recently on the Truman State University Board of Governors. Miller earned his master's degree in education administration and bachelor's degree in business administration from Northeast Missouri State University.
Miller fills the seat for the 3rd Congressional District temporarily held by Tawni Ferrarini (St. Charles). Ferrarini was appointed to the State Board by Governor Mike Parson in June 2024. Governor Kehoe withdrew Ferrarini’s appointment earlier this year. Miller’s term will expire on July 1, 2029.
Otto
Otto serves as corporate counsel for Evergy, Inc. focusing on corporate governance, SEC compliance, corporate finance, and real estate transactions. Prior to joining Evergy, he was an attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP and Polsinelli, PC law firms. Otto has served as a board member for Académie Lafayette Public Charter Schools, University Health KC, Missouri Charter Public School Association, Child Protection Center, Minddrive, and the UMKC Law Alumni Association. Otto earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University.
Otto fills the seat for the 5th Congressional District held by Carol Hallquist (Kansas City), who was appointed to the State Board of Education in June 2018.
“Carol is a true servant leader — she’s volunteering in schools and organizing support services for teachers regularly because she truly believes in our mission,” said Commissioner Eslinger. “Her passion for public education is evident in all that she does, and we thank her immensely for her service on the State Board.”
Otto’s term will expire on July 1, 2030.
Prater
Dr. Prater is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and specializes in LASIK and cataract surgery. He currently practices at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield and has practiced in the community since 1987. Dr. Prater served as President of the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education and President of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. He has also served on the City Council of Springfield as well as the board of the Chamber of Commerce. After earning his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Prater received his medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He then served his residency in Ophthalmology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Dr. Prater was originally appointed to the State Board by Governor Parson in June 2024, filling the seat for the 7th Congressional District. Governor Kehoe withdrew Dr. Prater’s appointment earlier this year. Dr. Prater’s term will expire on July 1, 2031.
National Arts Standards Survey Now Open
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!
DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring: Mt. Vernon School District
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DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring: Mt. Vernon School District
Tap to Read
Visit DESE’s Virtual Art Gallery here, which features creations this month from Mt. Vernon 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: Anna - Mt. Vernon
Job Postings
View May Job Postings from Across Missouri
Tap for full listing
City of St. Peters - Art and Theatre Camps
Art Camp Counselor - Are you passionate about art and enjoy working with kids? We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Art Camp Counselors for the summer season, from June 2nd to August 1st. This role offers up to 32.5 hours per week, with a total of 400 hours for the season, and a flexible schedule based on staffing needs. If you love inspiring young artists in a fun and creative setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Theatre Specialist - Are you passionate about theatre and eager to share your expertise with aspiring young performers? We are seeking a Theatre Specialist to lead engaging and dynamic theatre programs. This role is responsible for the programming, supervision, coordination, and administrative functions of a theatre-focused instructional camp. If you have a strong background in theatrical arts and enjoy fostering creativity, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Grain Valley Schools Speech & Debate Teacher
Grain Valley Schools is seeking a qualified, energetic, and passionate High School Speech & Debate teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Qualified candidates must possess an appropriate bachelor’s degree and certification from the state of Missouri. Sponsorship and coaching opportunities are available. Preferences will be given to those candidates with additional certifications, such as Secondary English or Art.
DaySpring Arts & Education
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
Artistic Director
Spring/Summer 2025 Administrative Internship Program
Build Crew Positions
Run Crew Positions
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra Operations Manager
Youth Orchestra Manager
VP of Artistic Planning
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
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
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.
News and Resources from our Allies
News and Resources from our Allies
KS/MO Kennedy Center Partners in Education Summer Symposium for Arts Integration
2025 Arts Integration Symposium
Liberty North High School
July 15 - 16, 2025
A two-day symposium to explore the power of the arts in engaging students, strengthening comprehension, and bringing content areas to life.
Learn more here!
Springfield Regional Arts Council
July 15-16, 2025
The Springfield Regional Arts Integration Conference brings together educators in southwest Missouri to learn about arts integration strategies for classroom implementation. Utilizing “Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” teaching artists and educators from the Springfield region, you will learn more about the role arts integration can play in both arts and core classroom settings.
Afterschool Planning Grant Application Open
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Districts, community-based organizations, municipalities, etc. are invited to apply for a 12-month Afterschool Planning Grant. The funding, training, and support received during the process will enable a local committee to develop a plan to implement a comprehensive after school program in their community. This opportunity is provided through a partnership between DESE Afterschool Programs and the Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN).
For more information, please visit the MASN website.
Artist Emergency Grants for Medical and Disaster
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Disaster Recovery Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations from the MidAmerica Arts Alliance.
Learn More Here
The Craft Emergency Relief Fund - Serving craft artists through emergency relief, preparedness, education + advocacy. For 40 years, the Craft Emergency Relief Fund has provided emergency relief for craft artists. Building educational resources to empower craft artists to prepare for, navigate and thrive in the wake of emergencies and disasters, CERF+ remains a dedicated partner and advocate for craft artists and the craft community.
The Rauschnberg 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
Show Me Art Coloring Book On Sale Now
Missouri Art Education Association's Show Me Art Coloring Book: On the Move in Missouri: 5th Edition is now on sale. Congratulations to the 84 visual art students who are now published artists. Purchase your coloring books today on Amazon for $13.99, and 100% of the proceeds will go to the MAEA Future Art Teacher High School Scholarship fund. This year's coloring book is themed around outdoor activities, "Missouri on the Move." Art students design a coloring page based on their favorite outdoor activities, such as cycling, fishing, camping, sports, etc.
Purchase your copy here!
Screenwriting MFA from Stephens College
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Earn your MFA without leaving Missouri in the Stephens College MFA in TV and SCREENWRITING
The Stephens College Low Residency MFA in TV and Screenwriting has joined the Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College making it even more convenient for arts professionals to earn their MFA without leaving the state. Earn your 2-year MFA after four 10-day workshops in Hollywood + online courses and add your name to the remarkable record of success shared by our alumni, who have now written on shows such as Ramy, 13 Reasons Why, Seal Team, Generations, Station 19 and The Equalizer. Our graduate students learn from some of the best working writers in the film and television industry while studying film with a female gaze.
Learn More Here - Apply today for placement in the Fall 2025 cohort
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 – June In Person Sessions
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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)
MAEA Fall Conference Oct. 3-4, 2025
Learn more and register here.
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.
2025 MAEA Fall Conference Request For Proposals
Conference proposals are due September 5th 2025.
The theme for this conference is "Remastering, Recreate, Reengaging, " we are looking to highlight those tried and true lesson that work in your classroom. We are going old school!
Here are some suggestions from our members:
Pre-K to 2nd grade lessons / Collage & Mixed Media / Cross-Curricular Connections / Paper Mache / Ceramics / TAB / Found Art / Photography / Drawing / Motivation / Mental Health/ Artist Skills / Printmaking / Fiber Arts / Raku / Budget Projects / Book Binding / Artist Talks / Comic Books / Nature Art / Wire Sculpture / Batik Dying / Classroom Organization
Submit proposals here.
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
2026 MAEA Conference Request For Presentation Proposals
Vendor workshops proposals will be accepted at any time.
Here are some suggestions from our members:
Pre-K to 2nd grade lessons / Collage & Mixed Media / Cross-Curricular Connections / Paper Mache / Ceramics / TAB / Found Art / Photography / Drawing / Motivation / Mental Health/ Artist Skills / Printmaking / Fiber Arts / Raku / Budget Projects / Book Binding / Artist Talks / Comic Books / Nature Art / Wire Sculpture / Batik Dying / Classroom Organization
Submit 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
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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