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Dear FAEA Family,
As the school year nears its end, we find ourselves in one of the most demanding times of the year—testing season. Amid the chaos, it’s important to remember to take care of ourselves and our students. Let’s focus on mindfulness and balance, finding ways to stay centered and inspired.
Help your students navigate this stressful time with simple mindfulness practices:
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Deep Breathing Exercises: A few minutes of focused breathing can ease anxiety and improve focus.
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Creative Breaks: Give students time to doodle, sketch, or create—it’s a great way to release tension.
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Gratitude Journals: Encourage them to jot down one thing they’re grateful for each day to maintain a positive outlook.
While you’re guiding your students, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Creativity is one of the best ways to recharge. Whether it’s making art, cooking, dancing, or even crafting a playlist, find a way to express your inner self. Remember, creativity doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.
Speaking of creativity and inspiration, it’s time to recognize the amazing leaders among us! Nominations are now open for the FAEA Annual Awards. This is your chance to honor those within our membership who have achieved the highest level of professionalism in art education, as well as individuals or organizations who have gone above and beyond to support the goals we all share.
I know this is a busy time of year, and adding something else to your plate may feel overwhelming. But this is a vital part of our organization. If we don’t take the time to see and acknowledge the great work happening around us, how can we expect others to? Start now, and don’t miss this opportunity to highlight the incredible contributions of our peers. Recognizing excellence strengthens our community and shows the world the value of what we do.
And while you’re planning for the end of the school year, don’t forget to sign up for our Summer Professional Learning Sessions in South Florida. It’s the perfect way to reignite your creativity and connect with fellow educators. Together, we’ll refresh, recharge, and prepare for an exciting new chapter.
April is the time to honor the journey you and your students have taken this year. Celebrate the growth, the struggles, and the triumphs. Take a moment to acknowledge the amazing work you’ve done, and look forward to the creativity and connection that summer will bring.
Thank you for all that you do. Let’s finish this year strong—mindful, creative, and ready to support one another.
Together, we are stronger!
Warm regards,
Latonya Hicks
FAEA President
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