IN THIS ISSUE
May 2023
April's welcome warmer weather and signs of spring were so pleasant as I attended the Missouri Association of School Librarians Conference. Special thanks to MAAE's vice-chair, Tom Tobias, who served at the exhibit booth on Sunday so I could participate in a concert of my own.
April also yielded great professional learning opportunities. Our Fine Arts Missouri Educators (FAME) session with Missouri Arts Council's Jenni Ryan seeking ways to connect schools with state funding was well received. Our Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in the Arts (IDEA) session with Diane McCullough provided valuable insights into the diverse contributions to music of the United States from people with West African and/or Celtic Heritage. Our Missouri Arts Integration Network (MAIN) session with Katie and Stephen Schisler provided deeper insight into connecting arts standards across the curriculum. FAME and MAIN sessions are offered in May, but a summer hiatus is planned, and we will resume offerings in August. Our next session for IDEA will by July 20, 2023 at 2:50 and will be a collaborative simultaneous in-person presentation - as part of the Missouri Choral Directors Conference - which will also be livestreamed as our July IDEA session. Join us for Diane McCullough sharing the results of her research: "Voices Lifted - Two Centuries of Black Composers of Opera." All sessions of MAAE's professional learning networks are free.
Welcome new staff to MAAE who will begin training for their new positions which commence on July 1, 2023. We also offer our sincere thanks to Andrea Branstetter, Rachael Wenzel and Jeff Sandquist as they leave these roles to serve the Alliance in other ways.
Please read our legislative update carefully. Calls to action may be coming with a need for a quick response as the legislative season rushes to a close. There are several issues which may require attention.
Enjoy the coming close to the school year!
Phyllis Pasley
Nominations now open for MAAE Awards 2024!
Deadline for nominations January 31, 2024
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.
Dance Your Story Today with Mark Turner
Mark Turner will walk us through how he uses dance and music to build a creative storytelling experience for young and old.
Join in collaborative conversation with other teachers who recognize the incredible power of involving the arts in their educational practice.
Follow this event on Facebook for updates and reminders.
One click PD registration here
Featured presenter: Catie Dwinal
HigherEd Program Manager/Trainer
Training@QuaverEd.com
Focus: Creating Connection: Making Real-World Connection in the Music Room
Enjoy collegial support, discuss topics from those present as well as share resources and strategies for local arts education advocacy.
Follow this event on Facebook for updates and reminders.
One click PD registration here
Become an Ally! FREE! We are stronger together!
View our current list of Allies here, and consider joining the Alliance today!
There are no fees to become an ally!
Want to learn more about the benefits at each level of allyship within the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, and the process for becoming an ally?
Click here!
MAAE seeks new Contracted Staff
MAAE is now accepting email messages/letters of interest and resumes as we search to fill new positions within MAAE.
RIDE Projects Coordinator - job description
Legislative Policy Coordinator - job description
Arts Across the Curriculum Program Specialist (2) - job description
Notify us of your interest via email by May 10, 2023 - director@moaae.org
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.
On 4/27/23 a hybrid session exploring student artwork generated through the project was held at Waynesville High School. Lebanon High School students traveled there in person and artist-in-residence and a team Northeast High School in Kansas City attended virtually - along with RIDE Committee members. A field trip to Crystal Bridges is scheduled for May 13. Student materials are being gathered and submitted to the printer by May 26, with the publication complete by mid-July.
A Collaborative planning meeting for next year's DEI and Delicious Dishes 3.0 - has been tentatively set for July 31 at 3pm. We'd love for you to be involved. If you are interested in becoming involved, or learning more, email director@moaae.org.
Have you checked 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 director@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!
A.D. Stowell Elementary completes their 2023 ACE Program Residency
We are delighted to announce our partnership with A.D. Stowell Elementary School in the Hannibal School District. Classroom teachers in Kindergarten, First, and Second grades join teachers in Art, Music, and STEM to involve students in a creative process across the curriculum. This work was facilitated by teaching artist Ed Reggi, and coordinated by MAAE's arts integration specialist, Lauren Hanahan. Ed currently teaches acting and improvisation at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) in University City. He is a Wolf Trap Teaching Artist and a Certified Practitioner in Applied Improvisation.
Ed, a talented actor and storyteller, began with A.D. Stowell, virtually coaching each grade-level and specialist pairing. Following their virtual coaching, Ed traveled to Hannibal, MO, over six times to support the teachers. Teachers collaborated with each other and Ed on arts-integrated lesson ideas and effective implementation. They received in-person coaching, time for lesson reflection and feedback throughout the month. The teachers and teaching artists expressed extreme joy and excitement for what will come next at A.D. Stowell, thanks to the ACE program.
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, and beginning in the 2022-23 school year, 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 director@moaae.org.
Seeking Presenters for MAIN Events
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 integration specialist, lauren.hanahan@moaae.org.
We are excited to announce the Senate 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.
Helpful hint: Sometimes funds remain in the PD accounts as we approach the end of the school year. Consider seeking professional learning funds from your school or district to help offset workshop costs.
St. Louis TAB Workshop - 6/8 - 6/9/23
Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) pedagogy can:
Encourage a student's creativity and imagination
Improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking
Increases self-esteem and self-confidence
Develops an appreciation for art and cultural diversity
Helps students express their emotions and communicate their ideas visually
Allows for opportunities to collaborate and work in groups
Offers an outlet for stress and relaxation
Provides a well-rounded education by incorporating art into other subject areas.
Learn more about the TAB workshop and choice-based art.
Registrations Due By - 5/20/23
Sponsored by MAAE
Make Music Day STL - June 21, 2023
MAAE executive director, Phyllis Pasley, and event coordinator, Marschnee Strong, have teamed up to lead the Make Music Day - St. Louis team for 2023. The St. Louis group joins teams from around the world to celebrate the making of music on June 21. You are invited to become a part of the efforts in St. Louis and are welcome to attend the planning sessions on May 17 and June 14 at 7-8pm in preparation for the celebration on June 21. Contact director@moaae.org to join the effort.
Other Missouri celebrations are planned for Kansas City, Liberty, Innsbruck, Columbia and Rolla. learn more
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 Big Yellow School Bus Grant helps schools meet the transportation costs of educational field trips to arts institutions and activities in Missouri that are funded by the Missouri Arts Council. Eligible activities include art museums, festivals, exhibitions, and performances of music, dance, and theater.
MAAE's Advisory Council for Financial Sustainability
5/11/23 and 8/24/23, 3-4pm.
Council members attend quarterly meetings to help seek out ways to pursue funding to support MAAE services and programming. Meetings are held virtually, with plans for a hybrid (virtual and/or in-person) meeting at least once each year. Learn more about the council here. The group is led by council chair Harlan Brownlee.
If you would like to become involved please complete this information form. If you know of someone who would be a good fit, email director@moaae.org with their name and contact information.
Your financial donation makes the important work of the Alliance possible! We are grateful to those who have made in-kind donations to the Alliance. View the list of in-kind donors here.
The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education has no members and no membership fee requirements. We welcome people to become allies - at no cost.
We will, however, graciously and with appreciation, receive any donations that are offered.
MAAE's Arts Advocacy Efforts
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.
MAAE supports funding for the Missouri Fine Arts Academy
MAAE works with legislators to garner support for the funding of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy. As an advocate for arts education, we believe that it is of the utmost importance to provide young people the opportunity to develop their creative and artistic potential. The Missouri Fine Arts Academy does this by providing intensive and rigorous instruction to talented high school students in Missouri.
The Academy is a unique program that has been providing high-quality arts education to students for over 20 years. Students who are accepted into the program have the chance to work with some of the finest artists and educators in the state, and to participate in a range of activities that help them to develop their creative and artistic abilities. The Academy provides training in dance, theater, music, visual arts, and creative writing, and encourages students to explore their passions and interests in these areas.
The Academy has a strong track record of producing talented artists who go on to pursue careers in the arts or use their skills to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The Academy also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among its students, helping them to connect with peers who share their interests and passions.
Given the many benefits that the Missouri Fine Arts Academy provides, MAAE strongly urge you to consider supporting this important program. Please email your representatives to support investing in arts education. This program is not only important for the personal development of our students, but it also has the potential to strengthen our communities by fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
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.
updated 4.15.23
Legislative Update
You can always check out reports from MAAE's Legislative Liaison, Kyna Iman, Kyna's reports are sent to MAAE's Legislative Watch Team weekly, compiled into a single document, arranged in reverse chronological order, and may be accessed at any time.
CALL TO ACTION: We continue to encourage members of the Senate to fully fund the Missouri Fine Arts Academy and Missouri Scholars Academy ($850K) and to maintain the proposed $3.1M increase for the Missouri Arts Council.
We are deeply concerned with the inclusion of anti-DEI amendment to the budget which could have far reaching consequences, stating that no state funds may be used to support initiatives surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging. MAAE joined more than 160 organizations who endorsed a letter sponsored by MObudget.org sharing the impact of the inclusion of this amendment. To learn more, email director@moaae.org.
As we approach the end of the legislative season, further calls to action may be needed. Our elected officials need your voice to make decisions that will help you and your students succeed. If you're not already on our list, SIGN UP to receive Legislative Updates and Calls to action.
The Missouri Art Education Association is again partnering with Missouri Teachers to create a fourth edition of The Missouri Show Me Art Coloring Book: My Hometown. This coloring book is a fantastic resource that would be perfect for your students.
This coloring book is not your typical coloring book. It is filled with beautiful artwork showcasing various Missouri landmarks and locations. The illustrations are not only fun to color, but they also provide a great opportunity for your students to learn more about their state.
MAEA is accepting design entries for the 4th edition Show Me Art Coloring Book.
Deadline to enter is Nov. 10, 2023.
College for Kids courses are designed with gifted students in mind, inviting them to direct their considerable talent and energy toward interdisciplinary projects and practical problem solving.
CK students engage in service-learning, present facts in a mock trial setting, learn advanced math and science by having the opportunity to dissect, mix chemicals, and nurture students as critical thinkers and creative problems solvers.
If you know anyone who qualifies and who may be interested in attending College for Kids 2023, please share.
Session I Grades 3 & 4
June 18 - 23
Session II Grades 5 & 6 June 25 - 30
Session III Grades 7, 8, & 9 July 9 - 15
U.S. Department of Education Nationwide Call for Student Performing Artists
The Department of Education issued a “call” across the United States and its territories for student performing artists interested in showcasing their talent, virtually or in-person, at internal and external Department-hosted events.
This is an opportunity for student performers to showcase their talent and gain exposure to an appreciative audience invested in education and student success. Please utilize this link for additional information that includes Frequently Asked Questions, submission instructions, and other related guidance.
The U.S. Department of Education is seeking student performing artists! This includes:
bands/marching bands
choirs
color guards
dancers
drumlines
poets/spoken word artists
soloists
theatrical performers
National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest
The national winner and his/her parents and teacher will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 40th annual National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony on May 24, 2023. Transportation and lodging will be provided. Here is more info.
Writers may submit stories, essays, or poems that address:
- A special place in nature and why it is meaningful
- Describes an author's specific experience in nature
- A piece that reflects conservation, stewardship, or sustainability.
Write Outside Your Door is a free writing competition co-sponsored by the Missouri Botanical Garden and Gateway Writing Project that authentically integrates creative writing into the science and English language arts curriculums.
The 2023 Constitutional Democracy Academy will be held July 10-14 and July 24-28 on the Mizzou Campus in Columbia.
The application is a 500-word essay, high school transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or adult mentor. The Constitutional Democracy Academy is an academic summer program designed for Missouri high school students who are passionate about civic education and who would like to spend a week diving deeply into the subjects of American political history and American political thought.
Saint Louis Art Museum’s 11th Annual Young Artist Exhibition:
The Saint Louis Art Museum invites St. Louis area teens ages 13 to 18 to submit up to two artworks exploring the theme:
Remix
What does remix mean to you? What invites you to experiment with new ideas, compositions, or expressions?
In what ways do you creatively re-purpose or redesign ideas, images, media, music, and events?
How do you freestyle or experiment in various aspects of your life?
What rhythms, beats, or music connect to your story?
Please visit the Young Artists Exhibition page of slam.org for artwork dimension guidelines and to submit artwork.
Deadline to submit artwork is: June 2, 2023
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Saint Louis Story Stitchers Artists Collective will host a Ribbon Cutting and Lot Party to celebrate the opening of The Center for creative youth development at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s 3701 Grandel Square facility in the Grand Center Arts District.
Since its founding in 2013, Story Stitchers has been recognized regionally and nationally for its high-quality art and innovative youth violence-prevention programs. The Center will enable the nonprofit organization to expand and enrich its youth services, partnerships, signature arts programs, and community reach, helping to prevent community violence by intervening before it begins.
Help your child connect with an artistic community of other kids this summer! The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s signature summer camps provide a place for your child to collaborate, create, learn language and presentation skills, build confidence, and HAVE FUN!
KC Ballet Dancer Chats
KCB Dancer Chat, Wed. May 3, 2023, 6:30- 7:15 PM -Virtual via Facebook LIVE.
Educator Resource Center at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Moving into Renewal: Mindfulness for Educators
Friday, 5/12
5:00 pm
FREE
Don’t forget that we’ll be gathering in the Sculpture Park on Friday, May 12th to enjoy some restorative mindfulness activities led by meditation teacher Amy Zoe Schonhoff. Using the sculptures that we see around us, Amy will lead educators in mindful movement and looking activities that are sure to help us head into the weekend feeling soothed and centered. We hope to see you there!
Summer Educator Gathering at Johnson County Library
Thursday, 6/1
4:15 pm
Central Resource Library (9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212)
FREE
Our colleagues at the Johnson County Library are hosting award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson for a reading and celebration of this year’s KC Kids Unite program, which brings together students from across the metro to break down barriers and build community. Educators are invited to attend the reading and reception. More info is available in the attached flier, and the registration form is here. Please plan to register by May 26th if you’d like to attend. And, if you’re looking to brush up on Jacqueline Woodson’s work in advance of the event, we have two of her books – Brown Girl Dreaming and The Day You Begin – available in the ERC!
Screenwriters Research Network International Conference
Missouri will host this International Conference at Stephens College this fall. Leverage the opportunity to network with writers from around the globe! Site visits, guest speakers and/or conference attendance may be possible.
The event will be held on the Stephens College Campus in Columbia, MO - September 20-23, 2023 Contact Roseanne Welch rwelch@stephens.edu for more info.
MDO Moving Forward Conference
June 23-25, 2023 hosted by Mareck Center for Dance in Columbia, MO.
Now taking submissions for performance and presentation opportunities!
We are excited for a weekend dance conference celebrating Missouri dance. Our theme this year is Moving Forward with building your dance career and connections.
GMO – Adopt a Musician Program Still Has Spots Open for Students!
The Adopt-A-Musician Program is an income-based scholarship program that assists underserved youth and their parents with the costs associated with instrument rental, instrument purchase, or private instruction. The goal is to remove financial roadblocks.
Opera Theatre St. Louis – New Opera On The Go Series
Free for K-12 Schools & Educators! Introduce your students to the fun and joy of opera with the ultimate digital classroom experience! Treat your class to an abridged, and TikTok inspired performance of a classic.
Quality leadership is essential for school districts to succeed. One of MASA’s objectives is to seek out educational leaders who have the qualities needed to guide school districts to greater levels of success.
The Aspiring Superintendent cohort is designed to provide a wide variety of in-depth learning opportunities to help prepare leaders to become viable candidates for the superintendent role or other central office administrative positions.
Missouri Arts Education Organizations Sponsor
Professional Learning Conferences
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 Bandmasters Association (MBA) - June 18-21, 2023
Missouri Dance Organization (MDO) - Spring Conference - June 23-25, 2023
hosted by the Mareck Center for Dance, Columbia, MO
Missouri Choral Directors Association (MCDA) - Summer Conference July 18-21, 2023
Missouri Thespians Leadership Conference - Sep 8-9, 2023
Missouri Music Educators New Teacher Training - Sep 17-18, 2023
Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri (STAM) - Sep 21-23, 2023
Missouri Art Educators Association (MAEA) Fall Conference - TBD Oct, 2023
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
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 May featured artists listed below:
Craft Alliance is a non-profit art center in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to exhibiting contemporary craft and teaching craft techniques. Job opportunies can be found here.
The Missouri History Museum is looking for an education and community engagement coordinator.
Mehlville Community Enrichment Strings Instructor needed. The teacher does not need to be certified. It may be a good fit for a college student looking for some educational experience.
Here is a list of fine arts related jobs.
MAAE is thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Abby Birhanuon for winning the 2023 NAEA Region’s Middle School Art Educator award. It is a remarkable feat and a true recognition of your dedication, hard work, and outstanding contribution to the field of art education.
Abigail Birhanu has been teaching since 2005, served as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher in England, and has taught elementary school, high school art in the St. Louis area, and most recently middle school art in the school district of Clayton. Abby is a founding member of Anti-Racist Art Teachers, a collaboration between art educators across the United States promoting inclusive thinking and celebrating diversity in art education. Co-founder and chairperson of the Missouri Art Education Association Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, Abby has recently co-published a book titled, Anti-Racist Art Activities. Learn more.
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)
Meet our MAAE Support Team
These people provide valuable services to assist with specific initiatives to enact MAAE's mission and vision.
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