IN THIS ISSUE
December 2023
December is often a very busy and hectic time for arts educators. As you enjoy seasonal celebrations and each artistic endeavor, may you also take time to reflect, rest and ensure your health and well-being.
November activities included attending the Missouri School Boards Association conference in correlation with Missouri Association of School Administrators. on November 4-7 along with site visits to Liberty and Kansas City Public Schools. MAAE was represented at the Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies annual meeting on November 5, by our Legislative LIaison, Kyna Iman. A dance-friendly session at the Missouri Society for Health and Physical Education conference was presented on November 10, and a retreat on November 17-18 allowed MAAE staff to begin crucial future planning.
REMINDERS:
Our free professional learning communities will resume in January. Plan to attend and invite your friends, too!
MAIN events • FAME meetings • IDEA sessions
We still need your nominations for the MAAE Awards. December's focus is on our Community Arts Champion award. Perhaps you have a parent, volunteer, or member of your local community to works in support of arts educaiton and helps your local arts programming take center stage! Nominate them today! Learn more here.
Both Individuals and organizations are welcome to Become and Ally and join the Alliance Complete this form and join our list of allies.. There are no fees to become an ally.
Read on to uncover other opportunities for arts connections in Missouri.
In closing, as we approach the year's end, please consider making a contribution to the Alliance as part of your year-end giving. MAAE is a 501(c)(3) and donations are tax-deductible. Thanks you for being who you are and for all you do to support Missouri's Arts Education community!
Phyllis Pasley
Dr. Karen Stafford is a retired music educator with decades of experience as an elementary music specialist, and collegiate level instructor. She received her PhD from the University of Kansas, Lawrence. She has worked in the School District of Washington, New Haven, Adrian and Kingsville, MO and also as an adjunct professor for Lindenwood University, and Central Methodist University and as a supervisor of student teachers for Missouri State University.
Help Us Recognize Excellence in Arts Education, Nominations Open Now for MAAE Awards 2024!!
Tap to see guidelines and to nominate
Deadline for nominations January 31, 2024
Nominating supporters and advocates for the arts to be honored at our state capital each year has lasting impact on our communities. MAAE believes that nominating change-makers matters for the following reasons:
Recognition: An award can give advocates visibility and recognition for their contributions to the arts education field, as well as their dedication to promoting creative expression and cultural awareness.
Encouragement: Recognition by colleagues and the community can provide advocates with positive reinforcement for their work, which can encourage them to continue pushing for quality arts education programs.
Inspiration: Honoring advocates with an award can inspire others to get involved in arts education advocacy and take action in their own communities.
Networking: An award ceremony can be an excellent opportunity for advocates to meet and connect with other like-minded individuals, which could lead to collaborations and partnerships in the future.
Please honor those change-makers in your life today!
MAAE's FREE Professional Learning Networks
Join other educators in conversation and collaboration. All professional learning groups are free and meet regularly. Participation is conducted completely online through email and Zoom. Our programs aim to provide you with learning and growth opportunities that will support your professional journey.
MAIN events
Open to all, meets monthly via ZOOM, and allows participants to reflect, ask questions, and offer suggestions to support members of this community. No matter what stage of your arts integration journey, there is a place for you at our MAIN events! Join in collaborative conversation with other teachers who recognize the incredible power of involving the arts in their educational practice.
We Are Taking A Break!
No December MAIN
We look forward to MAIN's return in January 2024.
The FAME Network
Open to all arts educators. and meets monthly via ZOOM. Fine Arts Missouri Educators Network with others, increase knowledge and learn about ways your program can be enriched and grow. Enjoy collegial support, discuss topics from those present as well as share resources and strategies for local arts education advocacy.
What's TAB Got to Do with It?
January 9, 2024 - 4:30pm
Visit with the TAB St. Louis group to learn more about the choice-based pedagogical approach.
I.D.E.A. Network
Inclusion • Diversity • Equity in the Arts
Quarterly opportunities for professional learning associated with the arts and issues of racism, inclusion, diversity and equity. Meets via ZOOM. A project of the MAAE's RIDE committee to help bring greater equity for all.
Dr. Ralph Mason
January 18 - 4:30pm
Musician, author and professional speaker, Dr. Ralph Mason of the Positive Zone Corporation joins us on 1.18.24 to share his distinctive wisdom.
Become a Fine Arts Education Ally today! Free!
Stay Informed | Connect | Take Action
DEI and Delicious Dishes is a cross-cultural youth leadership development project of MAAE's RIDE Committee. The second year of the project is drawing to a close with much excitement and activity. The recipe book has been completed and you can visit the dedicated DEI and Delicious Dishes website to view the finished cookbook and collection of student art showcasing the collaboration between Lebanon High School, Waynesville High School and Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO.
Want to be involved? Please reach out! A Collaborative planning meeting for future DEI and Delicious Dishes is being planned. We'd love for your students to join us! To learn more, visit our MAAE's website or email ride@moaae.org
SEEKING middle school partners in Missouri. We seek urban and more rural school partners from across the state! Email: ride@moaae.org for more information.
Check out our online resources? We continue to gather and curate entries, and welcome your feedback and ideas for sharing of resources.
Racism, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Committee
Want more information or to become involved in our ongoing projects focused on addressing issues related to racism, inclusion, diversity, and equity? Please contact ride@moaae.org.
MAEA sponsors JEDI Brunch
You are invited to attend the MAEA sponsored JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Brunch which is open to all, and typically takes place the first Saturday of the month at 11am-noon via ZOOM. SIGN UP to attend!
Look for the 2023-2024 JEDI Brunch conversations to start in November.
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.
MAAE - Looking for new ACE Program School Partners
Promoting teaching strategies which involve the arts in teaching and learning, such as Arts Integration, continues to be priority work for the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education. Funded by a special grant from the Missouri Arts Council, MAAE will implement the Arts Centered Education (ACE) program, with an emphasis on serving Missouri's rural schools.
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 lauren.hanahan@moaae.org.
Seeking Presenters for MAIN Events
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The monthly meetings of the Missouri Arts Integration Network [MAIN events] allow practitioners in arts integration to share a glimpse into their current work or best practice. It is an opportunity to network with others, to listen, learn, and reflect, and increases opportunities for educators to use these skills in their teaching. MAIN events are free to practitioners, and are sponsored by the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education.
If you can think of someone who might be a good fit for sharing their practice at one of our MAIN events, please pass their information along to Lauren Hanahan, MAAE's arts across the curriculum program specialist, lauren.hanahan@moaae.org.
Deadline Approaching for Student Fine Arts Submissions
Accepting submissions on all fine art disciplines
Deadline Dec. 31, 2023 | Tap to learn more
Deadline - December 31, 2023
We are excited to announce the Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibition, a showcase of the incredible artistic talents of Missouri youth. This year’s exhibit, like in years past, will feature images of many fine arts disciplines.
As a community, we believe in not only the importance of politics and policy but also in the importance of art and expression. The Senate Arts Exhibit provides an opportunity for our legislators to appreciate and celebrate the creativity within our community.
We invite all Missouri Fine Arts teachers to participate in this event by simply submitting photographs of student work and/or performances for display at the State Capital in Jefferson City. Selected photographs of student artwork/performances will be framed and displayed with the student artist’s name. There is no fee for submission and all submissions are submitted digitally.
We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to share your art and to connect with your policy makers in a creative and meaningful way. Please contact Vicki Bean at senate.exhibit@maea.net if you have any questions.
Register by January 15, 2024
$25 per participant
Student quad occupancy.
Includes training, 3 meals and lodging
Register by February 1, 2024 - $35/pp.
Register by March 1, 2024 - $45/pp.
Show-Me Arts Summit
Empowering the Student Voice in Advocacy
April 23, 2024
Register Now and Save!
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Geared for middle school, high school and collegiate students, the Show-Me Arts Summit welcomes both novice and experienced arts advocates. We will work together to help the next generation find their voice in support of the arts and arts education. In person and virtual options.
April 2-3, 2024 Register early and SAVE!
$25 per Participant if you register by January 15, 2024.
$35 per Participant if you register by February 1, 2024.
$45 per Participant if you register by March 1, 2024.
IN-PERSON EVENT INCLUDES:
* Overnight hotel accommodations (adult double occupancy, student quad occupancy)
* Tuesday evening dinner and training sessions
* Wednesday breakfast and lunch.
Virtual Event details coming soon.
The SHOW-ME Arts program (SMarts) provides information, training and role-playing activities for students - who then apply those skills by meeting with their legislators. and participants arranged their own meetings with their legislator to coincide with the other Fine Arts celebrations at the capitol.
What to expect: At the SMarts Summit on Tuesday evening, you’ll work with other teens, enjoy fun and camaraderie as you learn about the issues from legislator trainers and other volunteers, rehearse your advocacy pitch and “elevator speech” to present to legislators on Wednesday’s Fine Arts Educators Day.
Show-Me Arts students often:
meet with department of education (DESE) officials and journalists
prepare statements, deliver testimony at legislative hearings
personally advocate for the arts at the Missouri State Capitol
gain a unique perspective of state government and grow as arts advocates and citizens
share the products of their arts education through exhibits or performances
Join Us for Fine Arts Education Day - Wednesday April 3, 2024
This annual event sponsored by the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE), in partnership with our principal allies and the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA), helps bring student art, student performances and student voices to Missouri's capitol informing legislators of the value of arts education. Be a part of the Fine Arts Education Day celebration in person or by video submission!
Need a bus grant for transportation? Learn more about the Missouri State Parks Bus 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.
The Alliance works to build a strong arts-education-friendly coalition in Missouri with our Allies. You can help!
Become a donor: Financial contributions help us fulfill our mission to support, promote and advocate for Arts Education in Missouri. You can designate that your gift be used to support a specific program, or to support general operational expenses.
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.
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.
Join MCA as an Arts Advocate in 2024!
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Missouri Citizens for the Arts remains dedicated to amplifying the collective voice of Missouri’s arts industry so that it is both loud and strong.
During Missouri Arts Advocacy Week 2024, we will take our message directly to legislators via in-person and virtual meetings at the capitol and in-district.
Arts Advocacy Week Schedule:
February 7, 2024: Arts Advocacy Day at the Missouri State Capitol starting at 10am
February 5-9, 2024: Advocates are encouraged to meet with legislators virtually or in district, especially if not available to meet in person at the capitol!
Register here for Arts Advocacy Day at the Capitol
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.
Missouri Fine Arts Academy Set for 2024
Accepting student applications open through Jan. 28, 2024
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“Art can transform our perception of the world by stimulating our imagination and exposing us to new possibilities.” -Dr. Fatih Benzer, director
The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for June 2-15, 2024 on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.
The Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is a two-week summer residential program for highly motivated sophomore, junior and senior high school student artists in the disciplines of:
Visual Arts/Mixed Media (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, digital art)
Theatre (acting)
Dance (modern, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop)
Creative Writing (fiction, short story, poetry, playwriting, spoken word)
Music (vocal or instrumental performance, songwriting, composition, electronic music)
Missouri high school students interested in attending can apply starting Oct. 16, 2023. The application portal will be available through Jan. 28, 2024. Resident assistant and faculty applications are also being accepted.
Spark your students’ imagination and creativity with Picture the Music. This FREE, cross-curricular program invites students in grades K-6 to experience music, art, and nature as powerful strategies for emotional regulation. Through listening to music and using painting or drawing to express how it makes them feel, students will begin to understand and process their emotions in new and healthy ways.
This year’s program features “The Dance of the Butterfly” from Albert Roussel’s The Spider’s Feast. After exploring the music and responding with art, submit your students’ artwork into the Picture the Music art competition. Select works of art will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Missouri Botanical Garden and featured in a traveling art exhibit.
Online submission allows for quick and easy entry. Submissions must be received by by January 17, 2024.
Learn more here.
Created in partnership with the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House.
Presented in partnership with the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association.
SLSO education programs are presented by Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology
2023-2024 Student Matinees for Schools:
The Nutcracker Student Matinees • December 7, 8 & 14, 2023
Peter Pan Student Matinee • February 23, 2024
New Moves Student Matinee • March 22, 2024
Free SLSO Early Childhood Professional Development Workshop
Use music to teach across your curriculum!
Registration deadline is Fri, December 15
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Join us in-person or on-line for a free professional development workshop that explores new ways to infuse music into early childhood curricula. The story of The Lion and the Mouse is the springboard for lessons and activities that will get your students moving and making music as they learn. No matter your musical experience, you’ll discover fun and easy ways to bring singing, creative movement, and instruments into your teaching. Registration deadline is Fri, December 15.
Thu, January 4, 2024, 4:30-6:30pm at The Sheldon
Music Across the Curriculum: The Lion and the Mouse *
Sat, January 6, 2024, 10:00-11:00am - Online workshop
Music Across the Curriculum: Exploring Opposites with The Lion and the Mouse
Sat, January 6, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm - Online workshop
Music Across the Curriculum: Embracing Difference with The Lion and the Mouse
*In-person workshop covers all the material presented at the two online workshops.
REGISTER HERE:
www.slso.org/en/edu/schools-and-teachers/professional-development/early-childhood-workshops/
SLSO education programs presented by Steward Family Foundation and WorldWide Technology. SLSO early childhood programs are presented by Emerson.
Supported in part by generous grants from:
Berges Family Foundation
The Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank, Trustee
BNSF Railway Foundation
Kay Drey
Fletcher Jones Foundation
Moneta Group Charitable Foundation
Transport your classroom back in time with a lightly staged performance featuring two world-renowned St. Louis opera trailblazers, Grace Bumbry and Robert McFerrin, Sr. Professional singers will bring these ground breaking historical figures to life through storytelling, music, and conversation in a 45-minute in-person program designed for grades 4-12. Lesson plans keyed to state standards are provided. This program is especially well suited in smaller classroom settings.
Grace Bumbry, the first black singer to appear at the internationally renowned Bayreuth Festival
Robert McFerrin Sr., the first black singer to perform a title role at the Metropolitan Opera
Questions? Contact our Education Department at mfisher@opera-stl.org or (314) 963-4251.
Missouri Arts Education Organizations Sponsor 2024 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 Thespians - Jan 5 - 7 2024 (Kansas City, MO)
Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) - Jan 24-27, 2024
Missouri Bandmasters Association (MBA) - Jan 24-27, 2024
Missouri Choral Directors Association (MCDA) - Jan 24-27, 2024
Missouri Association of Jazz Educators (MOAJE) - Jan 24-27, 2024
Missouri Association of String Educators (MOASTA) - Jan 24-27, 2024
Missouri Art Educators Association (MAEA) Spring Conference - Mar 14-16, 2024
Missouri Bandmasters Association (MBA) - June 16-19, 2024
Missouri Dance Organization (MDO) - Spring Conference - June 28-30, 2024
hosted by the Mareck Center for Dance, Columbia, MO
Missouri Choral Directors Association (MCDA) - Summer Conference July 16-19, 2024
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 December featured artists below:
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High school speech & theatre teachers: register for Poetry Out Loud, the national poetry recitation contest that builds student confidence through public speaking and literary interpretation skills.
TEACHERS: Are you searching for ways to motivate, engage, and inspire your students? Longing to breathe life into your classroom? Looking to bring some joy to your school community? Try Poetry Out Loud!
What is it?
• Poetry recitation competition for high schoolers
• Begins at the school level
o From school to regional to state championship and finally national contest, Poetry Out Loud gives students the gift of truth and beauty as they perform.
• Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the Missouri Arts Council [state level]
Why Poetry Out Loud?
Hear from a teacher: Poetry Out Loud: Best High School Poetry Activity Ever. Motivating, engaging, and energizing students toward creative expression, mastery of language, and presentation skills.
o Build student confidence
o Offer a unique opportunity to “shine”
o Generate school spirit beyond the athletic arena
o Earn prize money
State Champion wins $1,000 for family travel to Washington DC and national contest
National winners earn up to $20,000, along with stipends to the schools of the top 9 finalists
Follow this link to the national website: Poetry Out Loud 2023-2024 Guide for Teachers and Organizers
Interested? Contact Ginny Sanders at Virginia.Sanders@ltgov.mo.gov or Jenni Ryan at Jenni.Ryan@ltgov.mo.gov for more information.
Key dates:
January 21 School competitions completed
February 25 Regional competitions completed
February 26 Regional champion report due
March 6 & 7 State championship [Jefferson City]
March 21 State champion information due
April 30-May 2 National contest [Washington DC]
Questions? Contact Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist, at jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov, or call her at 314-340-6857 for more information.
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Did you know that MAC has ongoing funding opportunities for schools?
Take kids to an arts destination [Big Yellow School Bus - $500 for transportation]
Bring a performance to your school [School Touring --$60%/$1,500 maximum]
Enhance your arts classroom [Artist in Residence - $4,000 grant maximum]
Bolster your faculty’s arts integration skills [Professional Development - $4,000 maximum]
Applications are due the first Monday of each month for projects at least 45 days away.
Questions? Contact Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist, at jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov, or call her at 314-340-6857 for more information.
Job Postings
Crescendo Youth Choirs, formerly the Kirkwood Children’s Chorale, seeks a dynamic and creative individual to serve as the next Artistic Director for the 2024-2025 season. In its 31st season, Crescendo provides quality, singer-focused vocal training in a program that promotes fun, friendship, confidence, and success.
The new Director will lead the artistic endeavors of the organization and conduct the Concert Choir (currently singers from 6th through 12th grades). Rehearsals are on Wednesdays in the late afternoon and early evening at Kirkwood Baptist Church in Kirkwood, MO. The Concert Choir performs at least 3-4 times annually and travels both domestically and internationally. The new Artistic Director may conduct an additional choir dependent upon the candidate’s experience and needs of the organization.
The Artistic Director collaborates with the Executive Director on decisions regarding literature, venues, schedules, etc., supervises and collaborates with the other artistic staff members, attends monthly board meetings to present a short report of artistic updates and needs, and attends all rehearsals and performances of the choirs for which the AD conducts.
Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in vocal/choral music education and five or more years of successful vocal/choral teaching experience.
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to ArtisticDirector@CrescendoYouthChoirs.org. Candidates may send links to rehearsal and/or performance videos, but this is not required. Review of applications will begin immediately, but all applications received by January 1, 2024 will be considered. The new Artistic Director will start prior to the end of the current season, based on the successful candidate’s availability, and work with the current Artistic Director to ensure a smooth transition of artistic leadership.
Questions may be sent to Dr. Jerry Myers, Executive Director, at SingWithCrescendo@gmail.com.
What If Puppets Fabrication Intern (unpaid) Details can be found here.
Craft Alliance is a non-profit art center in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to exhibiting contemporary craft and teaching craft techniques. Job opportunities can be found here.
Know of other jobs? Please share! communication@moaae.org
MDO and MAAE invite you to attend an open meeting for anyone in the Missouri dance community, on Wednesday December 27, 2023 at 7pm via zoom.
A notice to Missouri's Dance Community:
For many years, the Missouri Dance Organization has worked to unite Missouri's dance community, providing valuable services to its members, and engaging in arts advocacy. Now, the future of the Missouri Dance Organization is in jeopardy. Membership and active involvement in the organization has waned, and as current leaders approach the end of their terms, there are critical questions about whether the organization will be able to continue. These issues will be addressed at the January meeting of the MDO Board.
In an effort to inform others in the Missouri dance community, an open meeting is scheduled for Wednesday December 27, 2023 at 7pm via zoom. All are welcome. Please share this information with any individuals who may be interested in the future of a statewide organization which supports dance in Missouri.
Email admin@missouridance.org for the link to attend.
2024 Missouri State Thespians Conference
January 4, 5, and 6 Kansas City, MO
Does your troupe have a fun social or activity that would make a great late night activity at conference? Willing to host a late night activity for a bonus point for Honor Troupe?
Sign up here!
Check out the Nelson-Atkins Museum’s current featured exhibitions, Evelyn Hofer: Eyes on the City and Monet and his Modern Legacy. We have downloadable Teacher Guides for each of these shows (find them here), which can be used to support either an onsite visit with students or study in the classroom.
Also, November was Native American Heritage Month, take time to learn about the artistic and cultural traditions of Native peoples. Click here to see some resources related to Native American cultures available in the Nelson-Atkins ERC.
The Office of Childhood’s Afterschool program has opened another competitive grant opportunity that will offer funding for current and/or new entities (LEAs or non-LEAs) for afterschool programming during the second semester of the school year (i.e. January to June 2024) to support keeping school-age students safe and engaged in enrichment opportunities during non-school hours. Deadline to apply is December 6, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
Learn more now.
Since 1974, the Missouri State Board of Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education have selected a few individuals to be honored as Missouri Pioneers in Education, in recognition of their distinguished careers and contributions to public education, either at the state or local levels.
The Pioneer awards are presented by the president of the Missouri State Board of Education and the commissioner of education during DESE's annual conference for school administrators.
More than 200 individuals have been named to the select group of Pioneers since the inception of the award. This select group includes outstanding and long-serving school teachers and administrators, dedicated local board of education members, college and university deans and presidents, and former legislators and governors.
"North The Musical"
North is a moving story that explores the multi-faceted reality of Black life during the Underground railroad, and which aims to bring out the full range of experiences of freedom seekers. While acknowledging the realities of slavery, the narrative and original musical compositions by Ashli St. Armant explore themes of optimism, bravery, playfulness, wonder, suspense and mystery. The musical is intended for intergenerational audiences, ages 10 and up.
School Shows:
Thursday 1/25 at 10:00 and 1:00 PM
Friday 1/26 at 10:00 and 1:00 PM
Public Shows
Saturday 1/27 at 2:00 and 7:00 PM
DJ UP: 50 Years of Hip Hop with Street-Style Dance!
Sunday, December 10, 2023 - 2:00-2:30 PM
in the Gary Simmons Garage Lab
One Fine Arts Dr
St. Louis, MO 63110
Family Sunday performances in association with the exhibition The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century.
Free and open to the public.
DJ UP is available work for hire for school dances in the St. Louis region.
StitchCast Studio LIVE!
Watch and be a part of Story Stitchers live podcast discussions, presented on the state-of-the-arts stage of 3301 Washington Ave. Story Stitchers artists and guest artists will round out each presentation with live art interludes.
High Low
Listening Room
3301 Washington Ave 63103
Doors Open 6:00
StitchCast and Art Interlude 6:30-8:00
Open Mic 8:00-9:00
January 23, 2024
February 27, 2024
March 26, 2024
April 23, 2024
May 28, 2024
Free and open to the public.
StitchCast Studio podcasts are published and available on Podbean, Google Podcasts, apple podcasts, Spotify and Youtube.
The Center is open!
3701 Grandel Sq, 1A, St. Louis, MO 63108
High School Class Tours available.
Emeara@storystitchers.org
Check out this overview of the Missouri Music Educators Association's Mentoring Program!
The Bus Grant Program assists schools and nonprofit organizations with the transportation expenses of field trips and outdoor learning opportunities at Missouri state parks and historic sites. Bus grants have been made available to Missouri schools and youth-focused nonprofit organizations throughout the state.
The Bus Grant Program grant round is currently open and accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. This is a noncompetitive grant that is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. Applications must be submitted by email or mail by May 8, 2024, for field trips planned for the 2023-2024 school year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).
Learn More Here
Locations include arts related sites like the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio!
Art + History + Nature
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)
Metro Theater Company is St. Louis’ oldest professional theater company creating theatrical works aimed specifically at young people and their families. Inspired by the intelligence and emotional wisdom of young people, we create theater that challenges and inspires, foster inclusive community, and nurture meaningful learning through the arts. For more information, visit www.metroplays.org.
A Year with Frog & Toad
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
Books and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Music by Robert Reale
A three-time Tony nominated musical! Just because Frog and Toad are as different as night and day doesn’t mean they can’t be best friends. Over the course of a year, their adventures remind us that it’s those differences that make a friendship stronger – and life more fun!
Live at the Grandel Theatre in St. Louis February 5 – March 1
$10/student; $5/teacher
Best enjoyed by grades PK-3
For more information, visit www.metroplays.org.
Life Changer of the Year is an annual program sponsored by the National Life Group that recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees across the country who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. Click here for the nomination form. To learn more about the award, visit the Life Changer website.
National Association for Gifted Children recognizes outstanding leaders, scholars, advocates and dedicated contributors. The Arts Research Award recognizes excellence in research about high-ability arts education and arts talent development and aims to increase understanding and availability of research about the needs of artistically gifted and talented and to bridge boundaries between professional organizations and scholarly fields. Learn more here.
MAEA Spring Conference Slated.
AV Assistance Needed for Conference
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Save the date for the MAEA Spring Conference March 14-16, 2024 at the Marriott Country Club Plaza Hotel, Kansas City, MO for more information visit, https://www.maea.net/programs-and-events/spring-conference
MAEA is in need of AV (2 projectors, screens, sound system for main keynote events, and 4projectors/screens in breakout rooms) for their Spring Conference in Kansas City, March 14-16, 2024. The companies near the hotel are submitting bids over $15,000. If you know of a company or person who can help assist with MAEA's technology needs for their conference, please contact Kim Powell, MAEA President at president@maea.net.
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We typically receive submissions through the 20th of the month and publish on or near the 1st of the month.
Thanks for your interest and your support for the initiatives of MAAE.
Help us tell your story! Have some news you would like others to know?
Please send your story ideas to communication@moaae.org by the 20th of the month for publication in the subsequent issue.