June 2020
Advancing the heART of Education
A monthly newsletter about Fine Arts in Iowa
Looking Ahead to 2020-2021
Many individuals and organizations are working hard to prepare for a safe return to school this fall. Iowa Alliance for Arts Education Executive Director Leon Kuehner remains present and active in the conversation, attending many virtual meetings about what arts education could look like for teachers and students next year. From his notes, here are some points to remember as we approach the 2020-21 school year:
  • Arts Education is essential. It is imperative that all students have access to an equitable delivery of arts education.   
  • Arts education supports the social and emotional well-being of students, whether through distance learning or in person.
  • Arts education nurtures the creation of a welcoming school environment where students can express themselves in a safe and positive way.  
  • Arts education is part of a well-rounded education for all students
  • We need to approach this current situation with a growth and opportunity mindset.
  • We need to look at what can be done rather than what can’t be done.
  • Decide on what we want our students to learn and the skills and concepts that each lesson or rehearsal will contain. We then need to think broadly on how the ensuing instruction can be delivered.  
  • Keep equity in mind when designing your lesson. How can instruction be delivered if your students are with you in person or online? 
  • We will always have music ensembles, but they may just look different.
  • We need to be proactive in working with our local administrators. Offer them solutions and possibilities to do what is best for our students. We need to have a Plan A, a Plan B and a Plan C. If you are not at the table, you are on the menu!
  • This is a stressful time for students. We need to double our efforts to stay connected with our students, to foster the connectivity that the arts provide. Our students need to feel that they are valued and important. Students need to feel engaged.
  • This is a stressful time for teachers, we need to communicate and learn from each other. Keep the best interest of your students foremost in your mind. We are all in this together, and we will get through this!
IAAE Survey
The Iowa Alliance for Arts Education is here to help, and we'd like your input in what we can do that matters most to you. Please take a moment to provide your thoughts in a short survey. The results of this survey will help the IAAE Executive and Advisory Boards shape the strategic planning and goal setting for the IAAE as a statewide advocacy organization.

Your input matters not only to the work that will support you and your community, but all learning communities in our state. Thank you for sharing as little or as much as you like and helping to make an impact for current and future students in Iowa.
Mentor Program - Supporting Young Fine Arts Educators
In order to further assist the young Fine Arts teachers in Iowa during COVID-19 closures, the IAAE Mentor Program is providing virtual mentor visits. These visits can take place using phone calls, Zoom, Google Hangout, Skype, Facetime, or GoToMeeting. The virtual visits will be in addition to the normal on-site mentor visits.

The Model of Excellence Mentor Program has been in existence for over 10 years. This program focuses on mentorship for beginning arts teachers. It is administered through the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education and funded by the Iowa legislature and matching grants.
The Alliance is supported by the contributions of members like you.
Please join us in our mission to support arts education.
Need more information about the Alliance and our programs?

Contact our Executive Director: Leon Kuehner 641-425-0959 leongkuehner@gmail.com