August 2025
August 2025
Vol 38
Vol 38
Embedded Files
August 2025 - Happy New (School) Year!
It’s August already and MAAE is looking forward to another successful year of supporting Missouri’s arts education community. MAAE has been hard at work with a refreshed website and newsletter format, and intensive planning for the coming year. In addition, I was privileged to serve on the review panel for the Mayor’s Art Awards for the City of St. Joseph, and served on a panel for the National Guild for Community Arts Agencies, along with our Government Relations Consultant, Kyna Iman discussing dedicated funding streams for the arts.
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Summer has also found us busily monitoring the actions of our state and national leaders. We are watching as funding decisions affecting both education and the arts are being made and issuing calls to action where appropriate, and working to ensure that policy decisions do not negatively impact the important work that you do. Your work matters. Your voice can make a difference. Staying connected with MAAE will be critically important in the coming months. If you’d like to receive policy updates, please email advocacy@moaae.org.
We’ve got some changes on the horizon Fine Arts Education Week 2026 - April 6-11, 2026 with a shift to a Wednesday April 8th daytime field trip for student learning through our civics education program - Show-Me Arts, and our rotunda performances on Fine Arts Education Day will shift to Thursday, April 9. We’re planning to add a Dulcimer Workshop on Friday April 10 and Dulcimer Day at the Capitol on Saturday culminating in a jam session. We’re also moving up the registration dates to allow for streamlined planning. Plan to join in this festive celebration of arts education in Missouri. More details to follow.
We are so happy to serve and strengthen arts education in Missouri. We know the work you do is important for both the students you serve and for our world. We recognize the countless ways that you foster creativity, cultivate grit, persistence, determination, and perseverance. We see you build skills in communication and human expression, nurture problem-solving skills and develop your students’ ability to think critically, to cooperate and collaborate with others, and you guide your students toward success. Please keep up the great work, and reach out if we can assist. May each of you have a fabulous school year!
Phyllis Pasley
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
Summer is the perfect time to connect, reflect, and rejuvenate with educators through a multitude of professional learning conferences. As Director of Professional Learning, I had the opportunity to visit with fine arts educators and students across the state at the Missouri Bandmasters Association conference, Missouri Fine Arts Academy, Springfield Regional Arts Council Arts Integration Symposium, and Missouri Choral Directors Association conference. Keep reading to learn more about these summer experiences. I hope your new academic year is filled with ARTful adventures and as always, let me know how I can help you curate your own meaningful professional learning experiences!
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Missouri Fine Arts Academy
In June, I had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Fatih Benzer and students at the Missouri Fine Arts Academy on the campus of Missouri State University. I shared information about our advocacy work, Fine Arts Education Week, as well as the Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibit. I also attended the afternoon assembly and enjoyed watching several performances by academy attendees. This year’s academy theme was Let’s start the journey! Dr. Benzer said, “MFAA 2025 became the beginning of a journey [the students] started by exploring various forms of art such as music, visual arts, creative writing and theatre to express themselves.”
Arts Integration Symposium
The Springfield Regional Arts Integration Conference was held July 15-16 at Kickapoo High School in Springfield MO. This two-day event is a partnership between Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and the Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC). It was sponsored by the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Artworks, Rural Schools Partnership, Springfield Public Schools, and Missouri Arts Council. Presenters were from local arts organizations, as well as Crystal Bridges Museum.
Music Education Summer Conferences: MBA and MCDA
I traveled with our exhibit booth to both the Missouri Bandmasters Association (MBA) and Missouri Choral Directors Association (MCDA). At MCDA, Melissa Cooper, Director of Policy, and I presented a workshop entitled Sing to Me of Advocacy: Tools for building a better program. I always enjoy the opportunity to connect with music educators across the state and share the variety of ways Missouri Alliance can support their programs!
We Want You! Seeking new ACE School Partners for '26-'27 School Year.
We Want You! Seeking new ACE School Partners for '26-'27 School Year.
Boost student engagement with customized, onsite professional learning in arts integration for any teacher, in any subject, at no cost to the school.
Contact us at ace@moaae.org
New Professional Learning Webinar Series
5 Ideas for Effective, Reflective Arts-Centered Teaching
with Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps
August 18, 2025
5:30pm | Live via Zoom
RSVP Here
Whether you are a fine art educator or classroom teacher, join us to learn more about reflective, arts-centered teaching. In this session, participants will make professional connections to their own reflective teaching process, examine personal teaching philosophies, and explore arts-centered practices. Topics will include 1) Know your narrative, 2) Explore your beliefs about arts-centered teaching, 3) View teaching through a reflective lens, 4) Create a system for self-assessment and reflection, and 5) Engage in reflective dialogue with colleagues and professional communities. By becoming reflective educators, teachers move from asking “Am I doing this right?” to “This is the right thing to do.”
Earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit!
Free, live streaming, and collaborative Professional Development each month. You can earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit through Lindenwood University for attending our webinars! New Fall 2025 course credit sign-up will be available soon.
Upcoming MAAE Events
Upcoming MAAE Events
Save the Date! Next Arts Ed Leaders Convening Announced
October 6, 2025
In-person
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Missouri River Regional Library
Jefferson City, MO
Contact Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps cynthia.phelps@moaae.org to connect with this group.
Arts Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Arts Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Missouri State University Juried Exhibition for Secondary Art Students
Missouri State University 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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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. Learn more and apply here. Congratulations to all of the featured artists:
From the MAC Desk: Fall Into A+ Schools
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Specialist, Missouri Arts Council
From the MAC Desk: Fall Into A+ Schools
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Specialist, Missouri Arts Council
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Tap to Read
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: Looking Forward-tos
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
From the DESE Desk: Looking Forward-tos
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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Tap to Read
COMING UP –
PD – If you would like arts area PD content at your school, please schedule with me to come and work with your fine arts teachers or share arts possibilities with regular content area teachers. Please email me to schedule. Kendra.franks@dese.mo.gov
America 250 – events and activities to celebrate America’s birthday will be occurring all year until next July 4th. If your community or school are planning things related to this celebration, and/or if you have ideas for how the arts can be embraced and highlighted in this endeavor, please let me know! Kendra.franks@dese.mo.gov
Directors of Fine Arts FALL MEETING – OCT. 6TH in Jefferson City. If you lead the arts areas at your school, please put this date on your calendar and plan on joining us!
DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring: Pierce City and Northwest Schools
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DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring: Pierce City and Northwest Schools
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Visit DESE’s Virtual Art Gallery here, which features creations this month from Pierce City and Northwest Schools. 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: Amber, Pierce City
Regional News
Regional News
Breaking down news, resources, and events by region!
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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
MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book On Sale Now
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MAEA Show Me Art Coloring Book On Sale Now
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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!
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.
MAEA Fall Conference Oct. 3-4, 2025
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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
Job Postings
View August 2025 Job Postings from Across Missouri
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DESE Statewide Job Board
DESE’s new partnership with Nimble, a statewide platform helping thousands of educators find Missouri teaching jobs. All public schools are eligible to have their postings listed automatically. This initiative aims to increase visibility, reduce barriers, and make it easier to connect qualified teachers with districts in need.
DaySpring Arts & Education
Music Director
Piano Instructor
Saxophone Instructor
Violin Instructor
Vocal Instructor
Tap Instructor
Opera Theatre St. Louis
Data Assistant
Social Media Manager
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Philanthropy Coordinator
St. Louis - New City School
Art Teacher (KDG - 6th Grade)
Part Time Art Teacher (4th - 6th Grade)
Assistant Director of Auxiliary Programs
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 2025-2026 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.
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.
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.
Follow MAAE across social media where we post about all things art education to help Missourians connect, celebrate, and advocate for arts education.
Become a Fine Arts Education Ally today! Free!
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