Opportunity to shout about it!
March is a wonderful time of year to educate more broadly. Every day visual and performing arts teachers do what they were trained to do – teach! Whether you teach or support arts education in another way, March is an opportunity to advocate for the importance of quality arts education for all. Aren’t we fortunate to have a month designated to advocate for our profession?!
It is officially Music in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month, both are designated by the professional arts education organizations in Maine and at the national level. Arts Education Advocacy Day is being held in Augusta at the State House in the Hall of Flags, March 20, 1:00-4:00. All are welcome to attend and join teachers, students, parents, and legislators in advocating for the value of quality arts education for all learners. If you’d like more information about the event please contact Vicky Cherry from Maine Alliance for Arts Education.
If you’re looking for resources to guide you in your advocacy work, how you can plan a local celebration or perhaps collecting information to help you communicate the value of arts education, there are plenty available. Below are a few.
NAEA
The National Art Education Association has been celebrating Youth Art Month since the 1960’s. Check out what NAEA has to offer on the topic. The purpose of YAM is to emphasize the value to children from participating in visual art education.
CFAE
The Council for Art Education provides tons of resources to help you plan. They have ideas on their site that teachers and students are engaged in across the country. The ideas range from school based to community, both large and small. You can sign up for their free newsletter and receive information on a regular basis.
NAfME
The National Association for Music Education has been recognizing Music in Our Schools Month since 1985. The idea started in 1973. You can learn what NAfME has to offer on MIOSM by CLICKING HERE. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that schools is where all children should have access to music.
EDTA
The Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society and the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) all provide resources for theater educators. Their resources are directed towards Thespians, schools, and educators. The purpose is to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs for all students.
NDEO
The National Dance Education Organization represents dance educators and provides programs for dance education.
AFTA
Americans for the Arts envisions a country where everyone has access to—and takes part in—high quality and lifelong learning experiences in the arts, both in school and in the community. Their arts education council represents a cross section of the country so all voices are represented. The Americans for the Arts website has a plethora of resources on arts education. Check them out by CLICKING HERE.
ARTS ADVOCACY DAY
Founded in 1973 Maine Alliance for Arts Education has a strong mission: To promote and encourage education in all of the arts for all Maine students.
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