From the MDOE to MAC
On Monday, September 9 I will be starting a new position at the Maine Arts Commission as the Director of Arts Education. It is with mixed feelings that I leave the Maine Department of Education as the Visual and Performing Arts Specialist (among other responsibilities) after 7 years. When I reflect on the work (and clean out my cubby), I am amazed at what has taken place and the accomplishments in Arts education. The biggest accomplishment has been the amazing work that teachers are doing because of the the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative. I want to assure you that the MAAI will continue. In fact, the initiative was recently awarded $54,349.00 from Title IIA SEA “State Activities” for phase 3. These are federal funds that are designated for professional development. The MAAI, along with the other Department arts education work, has been successful because of the incredible Maine Arts education community. Thank you for continually collaborating to create exemplary opportunities for kids and teachers!
My favorite part of the work has been visiting the 400 classrooms in 50 school districts across the state. If you are one of the teachers that I visited thank you so much for inviting me. Maine is fortunate to have dedicated arts educators doing amazing work with students. The opportunity provide gave me a global perspective. The key for teachers is to connect and collaborate with others. The isolation disappears when there are connections with others who care deeply about arts education. The quality work arts educators are doing impacts student individual growth while contributing to the community. As we move towards the proficiency-based diploma with high school graduates in 2018 I trust that the community will continue to provide assistance to each other.
The Maine Arts Commission is located in Augusta just across the street from the Blaine House. Julie Richard is the Director who started last September and is committed to quality arts education for all students. Recently Julie said: “I am thrilled to have Argy as the newest member of our team. Her work in arts education in the state fits perfectly with the vision I have for strengthening the Maine Arts Commission’s role in this area. I have said at gatherings throughout the state over the past year that without a strong and vibrant arts education presence in our schools, arts and culture will not thrive moving forward. It is essential that we do whatever we can to ensure our students have access to the arts. I am excited for this work to begin and Argy is the absolute right person to lead it for us.”
My last day at the Department is on Tuesday, September 3. My email address will remain the same and the Maine Arts Education list-serv and this blog will continue. You can continue to contact me at argy.nestor@maine.gov. My new postal address will be Maine Arts Commission, State House Station 25, Augusta, ME 04333.
The Department is committed to arts education and plans to fill the position as soon as possible. Until someone is hired to fill my position at the Department, I recommend that you contact Rachelle Tome, Chief Academic Officer, at rachelle.tome@maine.gov or tel. 207.624.6708 for questions and issues related to visual or performing arts.
Please note: I will be taking a short break September 4 – 9 and will be away from email during that time.
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