Professional Development Articles

State Educational Agencies

Many powerful resources for staff development are available at no charge from the state education agencies found in every state. Many states have Web sites that allow anyone to access the wealth of information and materials that art educators need.

State Web Sites

One great Web site offered by many states is the site for the state director of arts education. This site offers valuable information and wonderful resources for art teachers.

One resource found on the Web site of the director of arts education in Texas is a link to http://www.cedfa.org/. Be sure to explore the Teach Fine Arts and Strengthen Fine Arts sections for curriculum frameworks and program descriptions.

Other states offer wonderful information and resources on their Web sites as well. Visit them and learn more about arts education across the country.

Summits, Workshops, and Grants

Many states offer various training sessions to art educators. These sessions are often designed to train presenters on key concepts in art education in various areas of the state. There is often a fee involved, but usually a nominal one. Other states help fund statewide summits for all arts educators.

Some states offer teachers funding to complete the National Teachers Board Certification process or offer other educational opportunities for professional growth. Funding is usually provided by the state government or educational department.

Visit your state’s Web site to find out what resources might be available to you.

Other Resources

Another way to research what is available from your state is to go to the Arts Education Partnership (AEP) Web site at http://aep-arts.org/. This organization offers a wealth of publications and resources as well as arts education links. Some of the resources on this site are:

• advocacy information
• funding opportunities
• art publications
• arts education links

This organization is a coalition of organizations involved in arts, education, business, philanthropy, and government. It promotes the arts and school improvement.

What to Do

If you are seeking opportunities for professional growth and staff development, you can:

• check out what your state offers in the arts
• research the Web site above or your state educational agency’s Web site
• call the agency and ask to speak to someone in the fine arts department

Don’t Forget

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, fine arts is part of the core curriculum. Use that to your advantage in seeking grants and funding for ongoing staff development purposes.