February 2025
February 2025
Vol 36
Vol 36
Embedded Files
MAAE News Updates
MAAE News Updates
February 2025
A snowy January found MAAE at Missouri Thespians Conference where nearly 2,900 students, teachers and chaperones enjoyed three action-packed days of learning and leadership development. I am in awe of MO Thespian leadership. Also amazing was the Missouri Music Educators Conference featuring thousands of student performers and more than 60 workshop sessions for teachers including the MO Arts Ed Leader convening.
MAAE's work with Father Thomas Sserwadda from SLU, Jackson Pianos, and Anita Brown-Dixon from Creative Cities, KC in the Pianos for Uganda initiative continues. Donate to help raise funds to ship refurbished pianos to students at Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda.
February updates of note:
MAAE Awards Nomination deadline extended to Feb. 15. Nominate a teacher, administrator, or arts champions for their contributions to arts education.
Join MAAE's Dance Education Committee. Free! Open to all. We need you! Tell your friends.
Become an MAAE ally Stay connected, informed, and become involved in this important work. Free!
Plan to participate in Fine Arts Education Week Events April 7-11, 2025
Submit your entries to participate in the Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibit program by January 31, 2025.
Apply to perform or send your videos to participate in Fine Arts Education Day by February 15, 2025.
Register to bring your students to Show-Me Arts Summit advocacy training April 8, 2024. deadline March 1, 2025.
Plan to attend the Celebration Summit Gala in Jefferson City, April 8, 2025 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. R.S.V.P. by March 7, 2025.
MAAE will join our allies in Missouri Citizens for the Arts for their Arts Advocacy Week Feb. 3-7. Help us join the effort to connect an arts-friendly person to every house and senate district through the Adopt-a-Legislator Program. Signup today! note the tabs at the top reflecting each region of Missouri.
Everyone, stay warm, safe and well!
-Phyllis Pasley
IN THIS ISSUE
Highlights from the MMEA 2025 Conference
Highlights from the MMEA 2025 Conference
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
It has officially been a year since I started my journey as Director of Professional Learning. I have had the opportunity to travel to conferences and symposiums across the state, engage in meaningful conversations with arts educators and school administrators, learn more about impactful arts integration, and meet amazing teaching artists. I’m excited about what this year will bring and I can’t wait to share with you!
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If you haven’t attended one of our webinars, this is the perfect time for you to join our professional learning community! Each month, we offer free, live streaming, and collaborative Professional Development workshops through our IDEA and MAIN professional learning networks. You can earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit through Lindenwood University for attending our workshops!
Highlights from the MMEA January Conference at Margaritaville
Jessica Ingraham, Senior Director of Education for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and I led an Elementary music education workshop entitled Inspire Creativity Together. We engaged attendees in mindful listening and expressive art activities. The workshop included scaffolded lesson ideas to make the creative process less intimidating and help students, grades K-6, build confident music listening skills. Everyone had a great time learning, creating, and collaborating!
I also presented a research poster in the Research Poster Session hosted by Dr. Wendy Sims. The poster was entitled The Role of Arts in Missouri Education. The research data was collected in 2022 by Executive Director Phyllis Pasley and Arts Integration Specialist Lauren Hanahan. The purpose of the study was to gain a better understanding about current attitudes toward the role of arts in education. They sought to examine perceptions held by educators regarding the use of arts integration as an approach to teaching and learning. The survey design included closed-ended questions with a Likert type scale and open-ended questions for written detail by participants. Survey questions inquired about structures that invited collaboration or integration, the importance of the arts in helping to ensure a person's enhanced quality of life, the importance of the arts in helping to ensure a person's future success, confidence levels of educators to implement arts in classroom study, and the need for arts integration training. There were strong data to suggest that participants believed arts helped ensure a person’s enhanced quality of life and future success. More than half of participants used the arts in their teaching to enhance a lesson, focused on elements and principles of visual arts and incorporated them into their lessons, and believed they were truly arts integrated teaching both the art standard and non-art standard with equal importance. Most teachers were comfortable using visual arts, music, theater, and dance in their lessons. Participants felt they needed support incorporating poetry, fine art, and social skills. More than half of the participants were confident about involving the arts in their lessons. Educators indicated that they would like to increase awareness, confidence, and professional growth in most areas but mostly in media arts.
I hope you find February full of heARTful adventures and as always, let me know how I can help you curate your next professional learning experience!
In Case You Missed This!
Our Winter/Spring 2025 Professional Learning Network sessions began with Abigail Birhanu on January 6. She explored art lessons and teaching strategies from the book "Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids", co-published by the presenter. Art lessons included themes on environmental sustainability, empathy, community, identity, and more.
Check out the session here, as well as in our IDEA archives!
MAAE's FREE Professional Learning Networks
Join other educators in conversation and collaboration. All professional learning groups are live streaming, interactive, and free. Our webinars provide educators with learning and growth opportunities to support your professional journey. Professional Development certificates are available for each session.
Earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit!
Free, live streaming, and collaborative Professional Development workshops each month through our IDEA and MAIN professional learning networks. You can earn a PD certificate, as well as Graduate Credit through Lindenwood University for attending our workshops!
Why Arts Integration? Hearing from Preservice Teachers
April 7 | 5:30pm
Live via Zoom
Free
Join us as we continue our exploration of Why Arts Integration? In this session we will hear from preservice theachers!
Looking for new ACE Program School Partners for 2025!
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
Inclusive Resources for Inclusive Classrooms
March 3 | 5:30pm
Live via Zoom
Free
Dr. Sarah Culish and Franklin Willis will break down their work in curating and creating resources that benefit all learners.
PD Certificate and Grad Credit Available
Upcoming MAAE Events
Upcoming MAAE Events
Arts Ed Leaders Convening
Next Session
Virtual Session
April 24, 2025
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!
Grant Support for Fine Arts teachers, trips, supplies, more!
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Several Granting organizations make funds available which might support teachers in their professional learning journey, and to meet program goals.
Connect the Arts - a web-based portal for artists wishing to post their own profile and portfolio of work, for job opportunities for artists, and a listing of grant opportunities which might be a match for your program needs.
Missouri Arts Council School Grants - funding support for artists in residence, express grants, Touring performers and "Big Yellow School Bus" transportation grants.
Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program - transportation funding support for school groups to travel to Missouri State Parks.
Royal Talens (visual arts supply vendor) sponsors a Cultural Equity Grant (up to $500) to provide support for studio art educators of color residing in the US or Canada to attend the regional and national educational conferences.
TLC Scholarship grants up to $250 for special projects.
Missouri Art Education Association MAEA Membership Grant, Emerging Leaders Grant, Conference Attendance Grant, and Project Grant.
New Teacher/Mentor Help Available
Reach out to us for resources to help new fine arts teachers thrive!
Contact director@moaae.org or complete this short survey and we will help get new teachers connected with an experienced mentor in their specific arts discipline.
Funding
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!
Missourians Unite to share the Gift of Music with students in Uganda
Father Thomas Sserwadda of St. Louis University has partnered with MAAE, Jackson Pianos, Creative City, KC, and UNESCO to bring the 20 donated and refurbished pianos to Bukalasa Seminary in Uganda. The $25,000 in shipping costs is the final barrier to helping to bring the joys and benefits of a music education to over 200 students. Please make a donation today! Learn more and donate here!
Arts Advocacy
Arts Advocacy
Missouri Arts Advocacy Week!
Feb. 3-7, 2025
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.
Learn more here!
Sign up for Advocacy Training Here
Travel to the Missouri State Capitol for Arts Advocacy Day 2025
St. Louis Bus and Kansas City Bus
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 - Deadline February 1, 2025
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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!
Math & Art Contest for Grades K-8
Free | Enter by March 3, 2025
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All students in kindergarten through grade eight are eligible to enter the contest. Each student may enter one piece of art in only one of the following categories:
Geometric Designs made with Markers, Colored Pencils, and Crayons: Students make original designs using only markers, colored pencils, and crayons.
Geometric Designs made with Glued-on Shapes: Students must cut the shapes, arrange the shapes, and glue the shapes in place to make an original design.
Tessellation Designs: Students must make original tessellations using markers, crayons, colored pencils, or glued-on shapes. (TesselMania software cannot be used.)
Computer-Generated Geometric Designs: The posters must be completely student-generated, not randomly generated by the computer. In this contest, the computer should be utilized as a graphics tool. Posters created by graphic optical character readers (OCR Scanners) will not be allowed. The work on the poster must be done solely by the student under the supervision of the teacher. Computer generated posters must also include the name of the software or graphics package used.
Learn More Here
Featured Art by Lillian Alviar, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, grade 5, Computer Generated
MoDOT Launches No MOre Trash Can Decorating Contest
Submissions are due March 2025
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The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is excited to invite Missouri students in grades K-12 to help fight litter in Missouri – and to be creative and have educational fun – by participating in the 2025 No MOre Trash! trash-can-decorating contest. This contest is part of MoDOT’s annual “No MOre Trash!” statewide litter campaign.
The contest encourages school classes and groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter prevention message using a variety of creative materials. Schools may submit one entry in each category: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The grand prize winner will receive $600 and a trophy. A $200 cash prize will be awarded to one entry in each competition category. There is no entry fee for the contest. Submissions are due on March 25, 2025.
Details for the contest can be found at modot.org/trash-can-contest.
Sky Ryders 2025 Experience and Evaluation Camps
Submissions are due March 2025
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Midwest International Art Competition
Open to young artists aged 5-17.
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The Midwest International Art Competition (MIAC) is a global platform dedicated to discovering and celebrating the artistic talents of young creators. Our mission is to provide these young artists with the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience, gain recognition, and develop their skills. By fostering creativity and encouraging artistic growth, MIAC aims to empower the next generation of artists and inspire them to push the boundaries of their imagination.
Learn More Here
Juries: Through the Eyes of Students
Judicial Learning Center 2025 Student Art Competition
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The Judicial Learning Center is excited to announce the 2025 Student Art Competition – Juries: Through the Eyes of Students. This competition provides an opportunity for students to use artistic expression to demonstrate their understanding of juries. Entry in the competition is free and open to all students in grades 1-12 (including public, private and home-schooled) within the Eastern District of Missouri. Click HERE to see the geographic boundaries of the District.
Prizes
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded per grade level group.
1st Place = $250 cash, ribbon, and certificate
2nd Place = $100 cash, ribbon, and certificate
3rd Place = $50 cash, ribbon, and certificate
Honorable Mention = ribbon and certificate
Missouri Arts Council Updates
Missouri Arts Council Updates
Featured Artist Series
The Missouri Arts Council features Missouri Artists on their website each month. Selected artists of all disciplines — four each month from around the state —receive a $300 stipend. Learn more and apply here.
Congratulations to all of the featured artists:
Applications are always open for artists living in Missouri. Artists are paid a stipend in cooperation with Mid-America Arts Alliance.
From the desk of Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Specialist, Missouri Arts Council
From the desk of Jenni Ryan, Arts Education Specialist, Missouri Arts Council
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Tap to Learn More
Did you know that MAC grants can support touring performances, field trips, and artist residencies for your school? Here are some highlights from the school year so far: Eleven schools or districts in the state have received Big Yellow School Bus funds to support field trips to arts destinations. Students explored Laumeier Sculpture Park [St. Louis], danced with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, cheered Nemo and Dory [Finding Nemo at the Coterie Theatre, Kansas City], practiced VTS [Visual Thinking Strategies] at the Daum Escape [Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Sedalia], and more.
Teachers have been creative this semester, enhancing their curriculum with residencies in dance, puppetry, mural making, vocal music, and jazz skills. Green Park Lutheran School fifth graders learned social dance and bolstered their self-confidence with St. Louis Dancing Classrooms. Confluence Academy sixth graders [St. Louis] worked with St. Louis Shakespeare Festival to bring Shakespeare’s The Tempest to life. Parkview High School [Springfield] students in the English Language Development classes collaborated with two mural artists to reflect their unique stories in a new mural for the school. Center High School [Kansas City] hosted artists from the Comprehensive Arts Institute for a jazz boot camp in their music classroom.
Our yearlong programs include dance integration at the Academy for the Integrated Arts [Kansas City]; vocal music coaching at several high schools; and puppetry at Liberty Public Schools [Liberty] with What If Puppets.
What is your dream project? Big or small, MAC funds are available to make your classroom dreams a reality!
Contact Jenni Ryan at jenni.ryan@ltgov.mo.gov for more information.
Here’s to an artful 2025!
Jenni Ryan
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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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.
Teacher Shortage Report
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Teacher Shortage Report
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Each year DESE publishes a Teacher Shortage Report. The department prepares this report in compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements. The results of the study help to determine eligibility to receive some financial aid, including TEACH grants. This year’s report has been approved by the USDOE and is now available here:https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/2024-approved-teacher-shortage-report.
Nominate an Educator for Missouri Teacher of the Year
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Nominate an Educator for Missouri Teacher of the Year
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Nominations are now being accepted for Regional Teacher of the Year, the first step in the process to become next year’s Missouri Teacher of the Year. Nominations are due by April 14, 2025, and are anonymous unless otherwise requested. Nominations can be made through the online Teacher of the Year nomination form here
“The act of telling people how much their work is noticed and appreciated can have a tremendous impact,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “As we come together to address teacher recruitment and retention challenges across the state, we cannot forget about the importance of valuing and respecting the teaching profession.”
More than 30 Regional Teachers of the Year are selected to represent each one of the nine Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs) throughout the state as well as the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence. Anyone can nominate an educator for the Teacher of the Year award, even if the educator is not a school district’s teacher of the year program winner.
“People in public education rarely receive the recognition, attention, or applause they deserve for the things they do, and being nominated means that someone noticed all of the things that teachers do that too often go unappreciated,” said 2024 Missouri Teacher of the Year, Greg Kester. “Being nominated for Missouri Teacher of the Year reflects how people feel and think about a teacher and is truly an honor. I will always be thankful for those who nominated me, and I will never be able to express my gratitude adequately to them.”
“Being nominated for Missouri Teacher of the Year gave me the opportunity to reflect upon why I teach, how I teach, and how I can continually strive to best serve my students and colleagues,” said 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Jones. “I was and continue to be humbled to represent and work with thousands of caring, dedicated Missouri educators.”
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will announce the Regional Teacher of the Year winners later this summer. The Missouri Teacher of the Year will be named in September.
Afterschool Grant Writing Workshop
February 14, 2025
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Afterschool Grant Writing Workshop
February 14, 2025
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Are you looking to start an afterschool program that: supports social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development; reduces risky behaviors; promotes physical health; and provides a safe and supportive environment for children and youth? Are you needing more information on funding resources to start an afterschool program in your community?
DESE's Office of Childhood (OOC) receives funding through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) to support afterschool programs across the state. Those funds are made available through a competitive grant process. A grant-writing workshop will be held on February 14, 2025, to provide information about applying for the grant.
Register for the workshop and learn more here. For more information about afterschool programs, visit the OOC Afterschool Programs webpage or contact afterschool@dese.mo.gov.
Civics and Patriotism for the Humanities
Lessons Across the Curriculum Conference
February 27-28, 2025
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Civics and Patriotism for the Humanities
Lessons Across the Curriculum Conference
February 27-28, 2025
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Civics and Patriotism for the Humanities: Lessons Across the Curriculum Conference
2-DAY event Feb. 27-28th
Are students unfamiliar with community foundations?
Do they understand how individual rights are maintained and the responsibilities that go along with those rights?
Dive into the new DESE K-12 Civics and Patriotism frameworks and explore practical and cross-curricular strategies for integrating this content beyond the social studies classroom. Gain valuable insights and resources to help foster civic knowledge, skills, and engagement in students across grade levels and content areas such as fine arts, language arts, and English language learners.
DESE invites you to participate in this FREE, 2-day workshop with lodging, breakfast and lunch provided for both days at Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Each school may send 2 teachers from different humanities content areas from grades K-12.*
*Such as language arts and music, art and English language learners, elementary classroom, or high school English, etc. A district can send teachers from multiple buildings.
Reservations must be made by Feb. 13th.
Slots are limited and will be filled on a first-come basis.
Secure your reservation spot here
If any questions, please contact DESE at (573)751-9610 or through email:
Kendra.Franks@dese.mo.gov (Fine Arts)
Cammy.Goucher@dese.mo.gov (ELL)
Kayla.Stewart@dese.mo.gov (ELA)
DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring: Iberia R-V School District
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DESE Virtual Gallery
Featuring: Iberia R-V School District
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Visit DESE’s Virtual Art Gallery here, which features creations this month from Iberia R-V School District. For more information about how your school can participate in the art exhibit, please contact Dr. Kendra Franks, DESE’s Fine Arts Curriculum Director at Kendra.Franks@dese.mo.gov.
Artwork is on display in the Jefferson Building 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday (except for state holidays). Please contact Kendra Franks, Arts Education Director before visiting.
Started in 2004, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has invited public schools throughout Missouri to submit samples of their students' artwork. The art is displayed in the Department's main office in Jefferson City and in the room where the State Board of Education holds its regular monthly meetings. Artwork from each featured school is showcased for a month. The same artwork is now featured here. For privacy reasons, the full names of the student artists will not be published here.
Schools that will be featured in the Virtual Art Gallery are already scheduled for several months in advance. Please do not submit unsolicited artwork. For more information, contact:
Kendra Franks, Ph.D.
Director of Fine Arts Education
573-751-9610
Kendra.Franks@dese.mo.gov
Image Credit: Jacklyn2 - Iberia
Job Postings
View February Job Postings from Across Missouri
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Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Deputy Director
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis seeks an experienced and well-qualified Deputy Director who will serve as the administrative leader, overseeing and coordinating operations, financial administration, business and strategy planning, facilities, visitor experience, hospitality and retail operations for an organization with a $3.2 million annual operating budget and $15 million endowment.
See position details here.
Registrar and Exhibition Production Manager
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) seeks an experienced Registrar and Exhibition Production Manager to manage the logistics, design, and installation of exhibitions. Reporting to the Ferring Foundation Chief Curator, the Registrar works closely with the curatorial team, artists, and other stakeholders to execute CAM’s ambitious exhibition schedule, on time and on budget.
Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre
Artistic Director
The Lyceum’s mission is to enrich, engage, and entertain audiences through professional theatre. The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, a historic gem established in 1961, was honored as the first “Missouri Historical Theatre” in 2019. With its unique charm and rich history, the charming Lyceum has blossomed into an intimate, beautifully renovated 416-seat auditorium. It is a cultural cornerstone for rural central Missouri, boasting an annual budget of $2.7 million, a dedicated team of eight professionals, and nearly 30,000 patrons visiting each season.
Missouri Educator Job Board
DESE is pleased to introduce the first-ever Missouri Educator Job Board. Through Missouri’s participation in a pilot project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Educator Job Board is available at no cost to every teacher candidate and Missouri school district and charter school.
An interested candidate looking for a teaching job may search by type of teaching position, by location of school, and even by type of school anywhere in the state. The Missouri Educator Job Board aims to connect interested teacher candidates to schools with vacant positions more directly, more quickly, and more easily.
Interested stakeholders may review the Missouri Educator Job Board here. There is also a 5-minute video available to review that introduces the Job Board and walks through its features.
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
Business Manager
The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is entering its 25th anniversary season having matured into one of the cultural gems of the bi-state region. Its summer Shakespeare productions play to thousands of residents and visitors every night, offering world-class artistry and an unmatched sense of community in one of America’s great urban parks. Its innovative Shakespeare in the Streets program builds bridges all across the St. Louis metro area by empowering local residents to tell and own the unique stories of their neighborhoods. And recently the organization has committed itself to developing and nurturing new work in an effort to elevate Midwestern voices in the national cultural conversation.
Hope Creates
Executive Director
Our mission is to empower youth and adults in recovery from, or at risk of, Substance Use Disorder to stay sober by engaging in the expressive arts and a vibrant and creative sober community.
Mehlville School District
Strings Instructor - Community Education
Missouri State University
Assistant Professor Theatre Education
DaySpring Arts & Education
Part-time positions currently available...
Academy Teacher (Middle School & High School History Teacher, Middle School & High School Math Teacher)
Music Director - The Music Director is responsible for the overall musical integrity of the production from first rehearsal to final curtain. They ensure that the music and vocal parts support the overall vision for a production, creating the highest quality musical experience possible,while ensuring that the success and growth of the class is the priority. The MD supports the individual actors as they create their characters, assisting them with pitch, rhythm etc to help them achieve their best version of the character, regardless of their skill level. The Music Director attends auditions, all rehearsals, tech, and performances.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Applications for the 2025–2026 Resident Teaching Artists cohort will open on March 10, 2025.
Opera Theatre St. Louis
Communications Manager
New Works Collective Assistant Stage Manager
2025 Company Scheduler
Box Office Representative
Spring/Summer 2025 Administrative Internship Program
Build Crew Positions
Festival Season Assistant Conductor
Festival Season Repetiteur
Props Manager
Intern Assistant Stage Manager
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
VP of Artistic Planning
Join the MAAE Team Today! Check out our Current Job Openings!
Know of other jobs? Please share! communication@moaae.org
Regional News
Regional News
MAAE is introducing a new section of our monthly newsletter devoted to breaking down news, resources, and events by region! The goal is to help our readers better utilize the fine arts and fine arts education resources closest to them.
This section is broken down into six areas:
Kansas City and Northwest
Springfield and Southwest
Central Missouri
St. Louis Area
Hannibal and Northeast
Cape Girardeau and Southeast
Missouri Arts Education Organizations Spring 2025 Professional Learning Conferences
Connecting arts educators in leadership and learning
Tap for full schedule
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
MAEA Upcoming Webinars
Learn more and register here.
Feb. 18 - Scaffolding Artistic Independence
March 27 - Effective Grant Writing
Upcoming GAM Virtual Speaker Series
Tap for full listing
Monday, February 10–Managing Expectations and Anxiety with Pam Washington (Webster Groves Schools Gifted Director)
Using the facets of emotional intelligence, we will discuss ways to support our children with managing expectations and anxiety. We will also discuss ways parents and educators can strengthen their emotional intelligence to best support their children. Register HERE
Monday, April 14--Supporting Gifted Kids in a General Education Classroom with Jennifer Hawkins (GAM Executive Secretary)
As gifted educators, it’s important that we make sure our students continue to learn when they go back to their general education classrooms. Learn ways to differentiate curriculum using interventions and extensions for “Those Who Already Know It.“ Register HERE
Leading Ladies 2025
Feb. 20 and 21
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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
Early Bird Registration | SEP 20–NOV 1 | $325
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!
Artist INC – In Person Sessions
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Artist INC Express Springfield, MO (in-person) Spring
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 12:00 to 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 12:00 to 5:00 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Registration Cap: 40 (expect 70% attendance)
Registrations to Date: 5
Event Registration Link: https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-springfield-mo-in-person/
AIX Marketing Information Sheet (in-person)- Apr. 12-13, 2025
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Artist INC Express Cape Girardeau, MO (in-person)
Saturday, June 7, 2025 from noon to 5:00 pm
Sunday, June 8, 2025 from noon to 5:00 pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Registration Cap: 40 (expect 70% attendance–25)
Registrations to Date: 0
Event Registration Link: https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-cape-girardeau-mo-in-person/
AIX Marketing Information Sheet (in-person)
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants
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The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies to artists in financial need* who are creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography.
Learn More Here
The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $3,000 to professional dancers facing dire financial emergencies, due to the loss or lack of recent/current live performance work, because of circumstances outside of their control.
Learn More Here
MAEA Spring Conference April 10-12
Learn more and register here.
In Spring 2025 the MAEA Conference is April 10-12th in Columbia, Missouri. We are excited to invite Keynote Speakers, Karen E. Griffin and Dr. RitaDoris Ubah to present as well as a series of local artists in our guest artist spotlight. Learn from teachers on the topic of community connections. We will explore art integration schools with Missouri Arts Council, community murals with Columbia Public Schools and Art Club ideas within our Division Meetings. Get excited to pair with new and old vendors from DrawLucy and DoRadThings to Blick and Amaco. We are proud to announce that we will be visiting a ton of locations around Columbia including. As always we will have a silent auction of great items for your classroom and a presentation of student and member artwork.
Fall 2025 Conference Dates Set
MAEA Fall 2025 will be Oct 3-4th at Camp Bob White in Knob Noster, MO for the 43rd annual year. This signature MAEA event includes TONS of hands-on art making with colleagues as well as time to practice new techniques like weaving, tye dye, glass slumping, t-shirt printing, raku pottery, found object art, nature-based art and more! It's the ultimate camp experience for art teachers.
MAEA Spring Conference 2026 at the Cape!
Learn more and register here.
This just in! MAEA Spring Conference 2026 will be in Cape Girardeau, MO for the first time! Mark your calendars for March 26th-28th, 2026. We are currently collecting team
2025 NAEA National Convention
March 20-22, 2025 | Louisville, KY
Registration is open! Secure your spot now for the 2025 NAEA National Convention, taking place March 20 – 22 in Louisville, Kentucky. Yearly, NAEA brings thousands of visual arts, design, and media arts education professionals together for this epic event offering hundreds of opportunities for all levels of educators, administrators, teaching artists, and more! Engage in premier professional learning and make meaningful connections at NAEA25. Join us in Louisville and be inspired!
Register here offsite link before October 31 to save the most!
View the registration rates schedule and NAEA25 policies here.
Do you love Dance? Let's connect!
For those who wish to maintain a statewide dance advocacy presence, share knowledge and help unify Missouri's dance community please get connected at dance@moaae.org.
Tap to view list of Statewide Arts Ed Orgs
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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