In a world full of uncertainty, FAEA is poised to take on the new meaning of “back-to-school.” While each district has developed a plan of action for the return of school, whether to open classrooms full-time, continue with remote, or offer a combination of choices, art educators are feeling anxious about what their teaching world will be. The push for art-on-a-cart for elementary art educators presents a new kind of challenge. Please know that FAEA understands how stressful these times are which is why we are continuing to develop new virtual programming to meet your needs and provide a pathway to have your voice heard.
To that end, the Florida Art Education Association has collaborated with other arts associations throughout the state to sign on to an important position focused on the importance of Arts Education for all Florida students that aligns with the FAEA mission and goals.
Arts Education is Essential
It is imperative that all students have access to an equitable delivery of arts education that includes dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts that supports their educational, social, and emotional well-being, taught by certified professional arts educators in partnership with community arts providers.
Gearing up for the unknown and trying to maintain a positive and compassionate demeanor can be difficult. As a result, we are offering some support with new virtual programming to share knowledge. Beginning in mid-August I will provide a series of short videos called Voices of Art Educators that will address common concerns of our membership. The video series will provide you with needed research-based information to support your return to school. In addition to the Voices of Art Educators, Division Director Round-table Zoom meetings will begin mid-August. Finding a place and a group of people that you can connect with on the level you seek, bringing more effective support to your divisions is our goal. The beginning of November will bring forth our first 2020 Virtual FAEA Conference. Please save November 7th and 8th on your calendars for this refreshing and relevant professional development.
It might feel like a very chaotic time, and when this happens you need time out and to find a place of peace to support your owner inner self-reflection. Take the time this month to build Self-Care into your schedule. Self-Care is a form of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). This is a way to connect with students and share your own strategies for creative discovery and new ways to process and tease out meaning in their lives through art. Provide a way to help students develop their ideas, share their unique stories, and applaud their discoveries. Ask new questions about the lived experiences in this pandemic, and allow art to become a way to pause and pay attention to the importance of staying creative.
Dr. Jackie Henson-Dacey
FAEA President
