December 2024
December 2024
Vol 36
Vol 36
Embedded Files
MAAE News Updates
MAAE News Updates
December, 2024
'Tis the Season
December! Such a brisk and busy time! Hang in there, everyone. Winter break is on the horizon... but there are many arts events between here and there, so I'll be brief.
November highlights:
Collaboration with St. Louis Dancing Classrooms at the Missouri Association for Health and Physical Education (MOSHAPE) conference at Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, MO.
Missouri Association of Community Arts Agencies annual gathering in Rocheport, MO.
Invited guest for St. Louis Public Radio's program concerning funding for school arts programs.
Collaboration with Father Thomas Sserwadda and Anita Dixon-Brown from Creative Cities, KC on the ambitious Pianos for Uganda project. Donations welcome. details below
December to do list:
Help spread the word to your community arts leaders to attend the informational meeting for MAKE MUSIC DAY held via ZOOM on 12/11/24 at 11am. RSVP form link. Meet Matt Fox from the National Make Music Alliance. All are welcome!
Join MAAE's Dance Education Committee. Free! Open to all. We need you! Tell your friends.
Become an MAAE ally Stay connected, informed, and become involved in this important work. Free!
Join the Celebration of Fine Arts Education Week Events April 7-11, 2025
Looking forward to January's Missouri Thespian Conference in St. Louis, and Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference in Lake Ozark. The next meeting of fine arts education leaders is set for January 29, 2025 at 2-3pm as part of MMEA Conference. Virtual attendance options will be possible. Aspiring and current fine arts leaders are welcome!
Please consider making a donation to the Alliance as part of your year-end giving. Every gift helps us strengthen arts education in Missouri.
May you all have a joyous holiday, a refreshing winter break and the happiest of new year celebrations!
-Phyllis Pasley
IN THIS ISSUE
MAAE's Kyna Iman to be Honored at 2024 National Association for Gifted Children Conference
"Kyna Iman has been so helpful to so many who seek to improve the quality of life for Missourians. Her work for Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, Missouri Citizens for the Arts and Missouri Humanities helps ensure each new generation of lawmakers can make informed decisions that positively impact all Missourians. Her work to support education for students identified as gifted, and those with a passion for the arts has helped secure full funding for the Missouri Fine Arts Academies and Missouri Scholars Academies for the past two years. We are so proud of Kyna, and could not be happier that she has received this national recognition."
-Phylis Pasley, MAAE Executive Director
Left, Colleen Fitzsimmons-Wiviott, and right, Phyllis Pasley, joins St. Louis on the Air
MAAE's Executive Director Visits with St. Louis Public Radio
Missouri advocates say arts education boosts student outcomes
— especially post-COVID
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on education systems when schools were forced to implement remote learning. After reserve funds started to deplete, art programs — which encompass music, media arts, dance, visual arts and theater — were often the first to be trimmed during those challenging times, and many have not made it back since.
“Art programs are often marginalized when [districts and agencies] are looking at prioritization. There are so many demands made on our schools across the board and decision makers have very, very difficult decisions to make when they're allocating their resources,” said Phyllis Pasley, executive director of Missouri Alliance for Arts Education and former music teacher.
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
The winter season often brings a combination of nostalgia and busyness. It is also a season of reflection. Our professional learning opportunities provide the perfect time for you to reflect on your teaching practices, as you gather in an online learning community! Consider one of our arts centered webinar sessions. We offer 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!
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Our Winter/Spring 2025 Professional Learning Network sessions begin Monday, January 6. Register here Join Abigail Birhanu on January 6, as she explores art lessons and teaching strategies from the book "Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids", co-published by the presenter. Art lessons include themes on environmental sustainability, empathy, community, identity, and more.
Thank you! In November, we continued our Why Arts Integration? Webinar series exploration in the MAIN Professional Learning Network. We welcomed school administrators and fine arts leaders Robin Collins, Aaron Money, and Joel Sherman. They shared perspectives on why they think arts integration strategies are vital for their learning communities and how they incorporate arts integrated practices into professional development. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
I hope you find this December full of Joyful, artful adventures and as always, let me know how I can help you curate your next professional learning experience!
Bite-Sized Arts Integration PD
Revisit our Professional Learning Network Archives to catch up on all our Fall 2024 webinars! Refresh, Reflect, and get Inspired!
MAAE's past webinars from this fall are availble for viewing at any time!
View MAIN sessions here!
View IDEA sessions here!
MAAE's FREE Professional Learning Networks
Join other educators in conversation and collaboration. All professional learning groups are live streaming, interactive, and free. Our webinars provide educators with learning and growth opportunities to support your professional journey. Professional Development certificates are available for each session.
Earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit!
Free, live streaming, and collaborative Professional Development workshops each month through our IDEA and MAIN professional learning networks. You can earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit through Lindenwood University for attending our workshops!
Why Arts Integration? Learning from Educators in the Field
Feb. 3 | 5:30pm
Live via Zoom
Free
Join us February 3, as we continue our exploration of Why Arts Integration? In this session, we will hear from educators in the field who are utilizing best practices of arts across the curriculum in their classrooms. Attendees will learn more about the everyday application of arts integration and the positive impact it has on student learning communities.
Looking for new ACE Program School Partners for 2025!
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
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.
Diversity & IDEA Network
Diversity & IDEA Network
Professional learning of inclusion, diversity and equity in the arts.
Interested in learning more? email cynthia.phelps@moaae.org
SAVE THE DATE!
Future sessions scheduled for our 2024-2025 Season
MONDAYS at 5:30-6:30pm
Anti-Racist Art Activities:
Lessons That Celebrate Diversity and Inspire Change
Jan. 6 | 5:30pm
Live via Zoom
Free
Join Abigail Birhanu on January 6, as she explores art lessons and teaching strategies from the book "Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids", co-published by the presenter. Art lessons include themes on environmental sustainability, empathy, community, identity, and more.
Upcoming MAAE Events
Upcoming MAAE Events
Make Music Missouri
Unite your local community in celebration of Music
Virtual Meeting
Dec. 11 at 11:00am
RSVP Here
Learn more about the annual international music festival held on the summer solstice.
Join us for an informal meeting with Matt Fox, Chapter Advisor for the Make Music Alliance and see if a Make Music Day event is a fit for your community's arts programming.
Make Music Missouri meeting 12/11/24 at 11am central.
Arts Ed Leaders Convening
Next Session:
Hybrid in-person/virtual
Jan. 29, 2025 at 2:00pm
Osage Beach, MO
RSVP at kendra.franks@dese.mo.gov if you plan to attend!
Help us identify arts ed leaders across our state who might benefit from professional learning support to assist in the admin side of their duties. Have them reach out to Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps cynthia.phelps@moaae.org and we'll get them connected to this group.
Learn more now!
Mark your calendar and plan to participate in our initiatives which promote arts education like Fine Arts Education Day (4.9.25), the Show-Me Arts Summit (4.8.25) the Senate Exhibit, and MAAE Awards and contests. With your participation, these initiatives help policy makers understand the power and value of a well-rounded education which includes the arts. Both in-person and remote involvement is possible.
Visit the Fine Arts Education Week page to keep up to date on events!
Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibit
The holidays are just around the corner! – don’t let your best student art walk out the door without photographing them and putting them into a folder of submissions.
Now accepting Submissions from all arts disciplines
Deadline January 15, 2025
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NOT just for visual artists! This contest also welcomes submissions across ALL arts disciplines. You do not have to be a member of MAEA or any other statewide arts education organization to submit examples of student artwork.
How it Works:
Student work is submitted by the teacher, compiled and submitted to each senator for the final selection process.
K-12 teachers from any arts discipline take high-quality photos of a work or performance. Images are submitted to us, organized by district and sent to each of our 34 State Senators. They view work from their district and select one image to represent them. The chosen images are printed on 12"x16" paper and displayed in frames throughout the year at the Missouri Capitol to advocate legislator support for the arts.
Both the selected student artist and their teacher are honored at the MAEA Legislative Day and MAAEs Fine Arts Education Day.
Learn more here!
Call for Student Artwork!
Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibit
Easy steps to begin saving your images:
1) Create a folder on your school computer’s desktop and label the folder “Senate Art Exhibit 2025.”
2) Take photos of student work and displays. Label the work with the students’ names and grades and place them in the folder. (Be sure to number submissions by the same student!)
3) As you get closer to the submission deadline of Jan. 15, 2025, you will want to begin the process of choosing ten pieces to submit to your senator.
4) For submission instructions, visit MAEA.net/programs-and-events/art-shows/senate-exhibit.
5) For more information, contact senate.exhibit@maea.net
Students Contests Open for Entry Now, Deadline January 31, 2025
NEW MAAE Student Arts Ambassador Award gives a Missouri high school arts student the opportunity to serve as a Student Arts Ambassador in a mini internship, by attending FY26 events promoting arts education in the State of Missouri. Learn more now!
The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE) is looking for Student Content Creators in grades 3-12 dedicated to showing why it is important to have fine arts instruction in every school, for every child, every day. Learn more now!
Students in three categories: grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 are invited to participate in the MAAE Fine Arts Education Day Essay Contest. Learn more now!
Nominations Now Open! Recognize Contributions to Fine Arts Education!
Grant Support for Fine Arts teachers, trips, supplies, more!
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Several Granting organizations make funds available which might support teachers in their professional learning journey, and to meet program goals.
Connect the Arts - a web-based portal for artists wishing to post their own profile and portfolio of work, for job opportunities for artists, and a listing of grant opportunities which might be a match for your program needs.
Missouri Arts Council School Grants - funding support for artists in residence, express grants, Touring performers and "Big Yellow School Bus" transportation grants.
Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program - transportation funding support for school groups to travel to Missouri State Parks.
Royal Talens (visual arts supply vendor) sponsors a Cultural Equity Grant (up to $500) to provide support for studio art educators of color residing in the US or Canada to attend the regional and national educational conferences.
TLC Scholarship grants up to $250 for special projects.
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!
Arts Advocacy
Arts Advocacy
Show Your Support for H.R. 82
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WEP/GPO
We urge our members to join hands with the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) and advocate for the passage of H.R. 82 in the Senate. This bill aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), unfair penalties that have negatively impacted Missouri educators for decades.
The WEP reduces Social Security benefits for those receiving a public pension, penalizing individuals who dedicated their careers to public service.
The GPO reduces or eliminates Social Security benefits for those receiving government pensions who qualify for spousal or survivor benefits.
The House has already passed this legislation and now is the time to push it across the finish line in the Senate. MRTA has worked tirelessly on this issue since 1983, and they need our collective voice. Please take a moment to contact your Senator using the link below and let them know you support repealing these unfair penalties. Now is the time to act!
2025 MO Arts Advocacy
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Join MCA for Missouri Arts Advocacy Week February 3-7, 2025! This is a time to collectively take our message directly to legislators via in-person and virtual meetings at the capitol and in-district. We are encouraging all advocates to get involved!
Join MCA and advocate in the Missouri State Capitol! Arts Advocacy Day will begin at 10am on February 5th in the Truman State Office Building.
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
Entry Open Now for Youth Art Month Exhibit and Design Contest
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2025 Theme: Healing Through Color
This program celebrates K-12 art education with a month-long public exhibit in the Missouri State Capitol. All MAEA members are eligible to submit up to (4) student entries of their choosing by February 1st, for display from mid-February through March.
Deadline: Feb 1st, 2025 (physically)
Ceremony: April 10th, 2025
Display up to 4 student artworks at the capitol during March.
Contact: yam@maea.net
Youth Art Month Capitol Exhibit Recognition and Awards - APRIL 10th, 2025!
Make plans to attend the Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol (First Floor Rotunda)
Youth Art Month Capitol Exhibit Recognition and Awards - APRIL 10th, 2025!
Make plans to attend the Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol (First Floor Rotunda)
*Can't attend the ceremony? We'll miss you, but ceremony attendance is not required to participate in the exhibit!
Missouri Fine Arts Academy 2025 - Apply Now
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MFAA 2025 will take place June 1-14 on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
MFAA 2025 will take place June 1-14 on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
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, theatre, dance, creative writing, and music (instrumental and vocal).
Applications accepted Oct. 14, 2024 - Jan. 31, 2025.
Tuition is free for MFAA 2025 thanks to the support of the State of Missouri and private donations.
Learn more here.
A Note From the Director of Missouri Fine Arts Academy
I am delighted let you know that Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is now accepting applications from freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior high school students for 2025. MFAA is tuition-free thanks to the continuous support of the State of Missouri and private donations. This year, we encourage freshman high school students to apply as they will be considered incoming sophomore during the summer of 2025. A committee of artists and arts educators will evaluate all application materials to select the qualified participants. We estimate to accept 120 students for the 2025 Academy.
The theme for “MFAA 2025” is “Journey”. Let “MFAA 2025” be a remarkable journey of self-discovery. Create art, collaborate, and connect with your peers and our experts to learn and grow as young artists. Join the journey by exploring various forms of art such as music, visual arts, creative writing, dance, and theatre to express who you are. Let MFAA be the gateway to expand your horizon through many interdisciplinary, discipline-specific, and elective courses and meaningful workshops. Take full advantage of attending performances in the evenings by acclaimed artists and musicians to enrich your experience at MFAA. Get ready to be challenged by our outstanding faculty to step outside of your comfort zone while earning college credits. Make MFAA your destination to start your artistic journey.
Dr. Fatih Benzer
Director of Missouri Fine Arts Academy
Missouri State University
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.
Congratulations to the 2025 Missouri Arts Awards Recipients
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Congratulations to the 2025 Missouri Arts Awards Recipients
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Arts Education | Springfield Regional Arts Council
The Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC) provides arts education as a crucial part of its services to 27 counties in southwest Missouri. SRAC partners with schools, community groups, and teaching artists for its year-round Growing Up in the Arts for at-risk students in grades K-8. In addition, SRAC supports Missouri teachers with the annual two-day Springfield Regional Arts Integration Conference.
Arts Organization | Saint Louis Art Fair
Held annually since 1994, the Saint Louis Art Fair is one of the premiere art fairs in the country. About 200 artists, from emerging talents to established stars, bring a diverse array of art forms to over 130,000 people. The fair also showcases Missouri performing artists, involves children in hands-on experiences, and partners with other nonprofits to further impact the local economy and the community.
Creative Community | City of Mexico
The mid-Missouri city of Mexico abounds with arts for all ages. Presser Arts Center is a hub for performances and education. Missouri Military Academy produces many free concerts. There are studios, shops, museums, historic sites, and annual festivals such as Walk Back in Time. Many programs are largely produced by volunteers, strengthening the community’s deep personal connection with the arts.
Individual Artist | Karen E. Griffin, Kansas City
Karen E. Griffin is an art quilter and certified national and international storyteller. She tells stories of African American experiences not only in her performances but in her quilts, weaving in symbols and materials such as traditional African cottons. Since her first solo exhibition in 2020, she has participated in 41 solo and group exhibitions as well as 28 educational workshops, presentations, and special events.
Leadership in the Arts | Sue Greenberg, St. Louis
With her encouragement, passion, and expertise, Sue Greenberg has played a crucial role in Missouri’s creative economy as the executive director of St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (VLAA) since 1986. VLAA provides services to artists and arts organizations not only in St. Louis but statewide, from free legal and accounting assistance to affordable educational programs.
Philanthropy | Alex and Robin LaBrunerie, Columbia
Alex and Robin LaBrunerie have upheld the arts in mid-Missouri for decades with their financial support and volunteer service, from collecting works by local artists to leading fundraising galas. Among the many organizations to which they contribute are Access Arts, Mareck Center for Dance, Missouri Symphony, Ragtag Film Society, and the University of Missouri’s Museum of Art and Archaeology.
The recipients will be honored on February 5, 2025, in Jefferson City at the State Capitol at 1:30 pm. The ceremony is free and opened to the public.
Poetry Out Loud - Student Competition 2024-2025
January 31, 2025 School contest deadline
Missouri Arts Council - Jenni Ryan - 314-340-6857 - jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov
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Poetry Out Loud - Student Competition 2024-2025
January 31, 2025 School contest deadline
Missouri Arts Council - Jenni Ryan - 314-340-6857 - jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov
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ABOUT THE COMPETITION
The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered to support 2024-25 Poetry Out Loud, a FREE national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic competition for high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self- confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.
September 1, 2024 POL online anthology live for 2024-25 school year
January 31, 2025 School contest deadline
February 22, 2025 Regional contest deadline
March 5-6, 2025 State Contest
May 5-7, 2025 Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
In order to compete, schools and organizations must register through the state contact listed at the link below. All materials and resources are provided free of charge. Competitions--which can be conducted virtually or in-person--will begin in fall at the school or local level to identify one student winner to represent their school at the regional or state finals.
Each winner at the state level will receive:
• A $200 cash prize
• A $500 cash stipend for their representing school or organization to purchase poetry materials
• An opportunity to compete for the title of National Champion in Washington, DC
Interested? Contact Missouri Arts Council - Jenni Ryan - 314-340-6857 - jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov
MAC Memo: Bring A+ Schools to Missouri
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist
MAC Memo: Bring A+ Schools to Missouri
Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist
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Tap to Read
Since January, I have been working alongside Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute to bring A+ Schools to Missouri. This model for whole-school transformation begins with the arts as the key component of an eight-pillar framework known as the A+ Essentials. See chart below!
What I have learned:
A+ Schools professional learning requires a full commitment from each faculty member and leadership. The pd is intense and rewarding. Guided by expert teachers and teaching artists, a summer summit leads a group of educators through lessons and activities to master the eight Essentials, to apply them to their school community, and to develop lessons for their classrooms that honor this framework.
During a training week [Summer Summit] with Oklahoma A+ Schools, I witnessed many aha! moments, collaborations, and lessons planned.
So what now?
Missouri Arts Council believes in the strength of this model. We will provide the funding to implement A+ Schools, which translates into $90,000 of professional learning over three years for each school that makes this commitment.
Talk to me if you are curious about this model. A+ Schools are thriving in North Carolina, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, and pilot programs are underway in Colorado and Texas. Since 1995, A+ Schools have reported higher achievement, attendance, and satisfaction (student and teacher).
AND
Below check out the A+ Fellows Info Sheet to learn about becoming an A+ Fellow: we are searching for expert MO teachers and teaching artists. This opportunity begins with high quality professional learning and leads to a part-time position (an excellent summer job!) Apply now! A+ Schools Missouri Apprentice Fellows Application
Listen to the podcast episode with Missouri State Teachers Association: Episode 36: Missouri Arts council and the A+ Schools Network | MSTA Presents (podbean.com)
--Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Program Specialist
Missouri Arts Council
Jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov
314.340.6857
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Updates
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Updates
From the DESE Desk: End of Year Happenings and Updates
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
From the DESE Desk: End of Year Happenings and Updates
Kendra Franks, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
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Tap to Read
The MFAA – Missouri Fine Arts Academy – is currently accepting applications and portfolios. The legislature is again providing funding and students can attend for FREE! Please encourage your artists, musicians, dancers, and creative writers currently in the 10th – 12th grades to apply. It will be the first 2 weeks of June and hosted at Missouri State University. Dr. Benzer says they are accepting more students this year too! I would love to see students from all corners of the state and in every fine art area take advantage of this awesome opportunity where arts students are encouraged, challenged, and find deep connections with others! Please check out the info Missouri Fine Arts Academy - Missouri State
And get those submissions in by January…
A meeting with Directors of Fine Arts throughout Missouri will take place on Jan. 29th at 2pm during the state MMEA conference at the lake. If you desire to connect with others who share a similar place of leadership in their schools, whether you have the title or not, please join us for an hour of collaboration, communication, and connection.
As we enter the holiday seasons, may we find time for family and rest, and may we enjoy the beauty of the arts all around us.
Scott City Elementary Students Designs Missouri Ornament for National Christmas Tree
Scott City Elementary art students were selected to represent Missouri and design ornaments for the America Celebrates display which surrounds the National Christmas tree at our nation’s capitol in Washington DC. Art teacher, Elizabeth Thomas, has been teaching art for over 30 years and was delighted to have her students recognized!
Every year one-of-a-kind ornaments are made by ordinary Americans, representing every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. These artists give their time and talents to design and create ornaments that symbolize the history, heritage and culture of their homelands. The America Celebrates display, which surrounds the National Christmas Tree, is free and open to visitors throughout December.
Ornaments - National Christmas Tree Lighting (thenationaltree.org)
DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring:Kirksville, Mehlville school districts, and Troy Buchanan from the Lincoln County R-III School District
DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring:Kirksville, Mehlville school districts, and Troy Buchanan from the Lincoln County R-III School District
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Tap to Read
Visit DESE’s Virtual Art Gallery here, which features creations this month from Kirksville, Mehlville school districts, and Troy Buchanan from the Lincoln County R-III 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
Director of Fine Arts Education
573-751-9610
Kendra.Franks@dese.mo.gov
Image Credit: Ashlynn, Kirksville
Job Postings
View December Job Postings from Across Missouri
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Missouri State University
Assistant Professor Theatre Education
DaySpring Arts & Education
Part-time positions currently available...
Building Manager
Academy Teacher for 24-25 term
Middle & High School History
Algebra/GeometryMusic Department Head
Music Director
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Applications for the 2025–2026 Resident Teaching Artists cohort will open on March 10, 2025.
Opera Theatre St. Louis
Communications Manager, Artistic Assistant, Manager of Board Relations, New Works Collective Assistant Stage Manager, Actor Auditions, Props Manager, Intern Assistatn Stage Manager
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Director of Orchestra Personnel
Technical Director
VP of Artistic Planning
Looking to support fine arts education?
Want a side hustle that supports fine arts education?
Apply today to join MAAE as the new Fine Arts Education Day Coordinator!
Join the MAAE team! We are accepting resumes, letters/emails of interest for our Fine Arts Education Day Coordinator.
View full job description now.
To apply, send a resume and letter (email) of interest to advocacy@moaae.org.
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
Missouri Arts Education Organizations Spring 2025 Professional Learning Conferences
Connecting arts educators in leadership and learning
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MAAE helps support exceptional professional learning opportunities sponsored by statewide arts education organizations thanks to individual and organizational contributors and funding from the Missouri Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Francis Family Foundation.
MO Thespians January 9 - 11, 2025
Missouri Music Educators Association Conference January 28 - February 1, 2025
DESE Powerful Learning February 3 - 4, 2025
Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals March 1 - 4, 2025
Missouri Association of School Administrators March 25 - 28, 2025
Conference on the Young Years March 6 - 8, 2025
Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals March 30 - April 1, 2025
MAAE's Fine Arts Education Week April 7 - 11, 2025
Missouri Art Education Association April 10 - 12, 2025
Missouri Association of School Librarians April 13 - 15, 2025
News and Resources from our Allies
News and Resources from our Allies
Leading Ladies 2025
Registration Now Open
By Dec. 13 for reduced rate
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COCAbiz is excited to invite female-identifying leaders to Leading Ladies, a one-of-a-kind leadership training program where participants refine their personal leadership brand and style while connecting with other dynamic female-identifying leaders.
This empowering experience combines creativity and leadership, using multiple arts disciplines to help participants grow their authentic presence, collaborate effectively, and embrace mindfulness for balance.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your leadership journey, Leading Ladies is for you! Join us for two immersive days filled with engaging workshops and meaningful connections.
Leading Ladies 2025
THU, FEB 20 & FRI, FEB 21 8:00AM–4:00PM
Regular Registration | NOV 2–DEC 13 | $375
Full-Price Registration | DEC 14–FEB 14 | $425
While some employers may cover tuition, COCA also offers a sliding scale tuition program for those who qualify. Plus, upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate from COCAbiz, adding to your leadership portfolio!
Step into your power and expand your leadership toolkit while building lasting relationships!
For more information, contact Janelle Velten, COCA Director of Community Programs at jvelten@cocastl.org.
Sign up to learn more about Leading Ladies 2025!
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.
Coming Up! MAEA Spring Conference!
Save Big! Lock in the current rate, register before December 31st!
Learn more and register here.
Save the Date! MAEA Spring Conference 2025 will be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, MO on April 10-12th: The Theme is: Partnerships: Creative Community Connections!
Special Guest Presenters & Keynotes: KE Griffin, SnoPond Ceramics, Kelsey Hammond, and more!
Explore the vibrant arts community of Columbia with an hands-on mural experience, school tours and multiple gallery openings
2025 NAEA National Convention
March 20-22, 2025 | Louisville, KY
Registration is open! Secure your spot now for the 2025 NAEA National Convention, taking place March 20 – 22 in Louisville, Kentucky. Yearly, NAEA brings thousands of visual arts, design, and media arts education professionals together for this epic event offering hundreds of opportunities for all levels of educators, administrators, teaching artists, and more! Engage in premier professional learning and make meaningful connections at NAEA25. Join us in Louisville and be inspired!
Register here offsite link before October 31 to save the most!
View the registration rates schedule and NAEA25 policies here.
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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